The administrator of National Judicial Institute (NJI) Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, has reiterated the need for enhanced collaboration between the judiciary and the media .
Justice Abdullahi, made the call on Monday while opening the 2024 Symposium for Media and Judicial Correspondents at the Institute in Abuja.He urged for improved partnership between the media and the Judiciary for the enhancement of democracy.
Speaking on themed of the Symposium “Building Stronger Media/Judiciary Collaboration,” Justice Abdullahi stated the aims to enhance judicial reportage and address challenges in their working relationship.
Justice Abdullahi emphasized the critical roles of the judiciary and the media as pillars of democracy, noting their mutual obligation to bolster public trust and confidence in the judicial system has led the annual seminar .
“This engagement which is a recurring feature on the Institute’s calendar of programmes, has presented Participants with an invaluable opportunity to confer and cross-fertilize ideas on how to improve the relationship between the Judiciary and the Media, while unearthing and addressing challenges that may arise in this regard.
“Doubtless, the Media’s clamor and appeal for a modicum of respect, acceptance and support from the Judiciary in churning out information that is accurate, prompt and complete is not out of place. It is clear that this inspired the thoughts of His Lordship, the Honourable, the Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice M.L. Uwais when he stated that “…the days when the publicity of active communication between the Judiciary and the Media was regarded as an anathema are wrong in principle and gone forever.”
“However, it behooves the Media to chart the course for this partnership by entrenching and enforcing certain measures and standards in the performance of their functions as the “watchdog of the society.”
“To this end, the Media must endeavor to be fair, honest, and responsible in its reportage of the Judiciary and judicial proceedings. Further, keen attention must be paid to the ethical code and standards that govern your profession and the contravention of these guiding principles must be frowned upon, with necessary sanctions following.
“This invariably requires the relevant regulatory bodies and the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in particular to be proactive, to maintain a high level of discipline at all times, and to remain unwavering in their commitment to excellence,” he enjoined .
Justice Abdullahi extended his appreciation to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJI Board of Governors, Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun,for unwavering support.
He also lauded the contributions of Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro, Chairman of the NJI Education Committee, in designing the programme’ s content.
Justice Abdullahi encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions, stressing the importance of the symposium in strengthening public confidence in the judiciary