CJN, AGF Tasks Media On Accurate, Balanced Reportage

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi SAN have warned the media against misrepresentation and sensational reporting that could erode public trust in the justice system and weaken democratic institutions.

The duo made the call separately in Abuja, at the annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja.

In her keynote address, Kekere-Ekun who underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of judicial processes, called on judiciary correspondents to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

The CJN who was represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, emphasized that judiciary correspondents serve as a vital bridge between the Bench and the public, describing their role as “democratic in character” and indispensable to sustaining trust in the administration of justice.

While noting that the judiciary’s impact extends beyond courtroom decisions, Justice Kekere-Ekun warned that inaccurate, incomplete, or sensational reporting of court proceedings could undermine the Rule of Law, stressing that even the most well-reasoned judgments achieve their purpose only when properly understood by the public.

Acknowledging the complexities of legal reporting, Kekere-Ekun noted that court proceedings are often technical and require careful interpretation, even as journalists operate under tight deadlines and editorial pressures hence charged media practitioners to prioritize accuracy, context, and fairness in their reports

Kekere-Ekun commended NAJUC for its commitment to capacity building and informed reportage of judicial activities, formally declaring the conference open and expressing optimism that its deliberations would further strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

On his part, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended the role of the media in deepening democracy in the country, noting that the media through their reportage shapes political behaviours as well as expectations in any election.

To this end, he appealed to journalists in the country to shun political actors with divisive tendencies, and ensure the unity and development of the country.

Fagbemi, who was represented by the Special Assistant, on Legislative Drafting, Office of the AGF, Hussein Oloyede, took a swipe on those he described as “political desperadoes”, warning that they must learn to act responsibly and within the laws of the land.

“The government will not succumb to blackmail no matter whose ox is gored. Violence, hate speech or any other criminal tendencies will not be tolerated in any form”, he said.

He called on all Nigerians to show a sense of patriotism and protect the unity of the country, as the elections draw nearer, adding that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration sees the media as partners, hence, its doing everything to ensure journalists do their job without intimidation or any form of threats.

Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja chapter, Mr Kayode Lawal, called for reforms of the judiciary to safeguard democracy ahead of the 2027 general election.

The conference, themed “The Role of Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria,” aims to foster dialogue between legal practitioners and the media while addressing systemic challenges in the judiciary.

Gerry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji