Judge Salisu Garba Abdullahi (rtd), the administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja, has given judiciary correspondents the responsibility of reporting court events fairly and impartially, particularly in this day and age when false information is frequently distributed on social media.
This was said by Justice Abdullahi on Wednesday during his keynote speech at the NJI-hosted two-day workshop for members of the Abuja chapter of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents.
The Administrator informed the attendees that public opinion and public confidence are directly impacted by their job as judiciary journalists, which involves presenting the judiciary in a positive light.
Under the banner of “Pursuing Media Service Excellence for Optimal Productivity in the Judiciary,” the NJI Administrator asked reporters covering the judiciary to consistently adhere to the rules and standards of ethical journalism.
Abdullahi conveyed confidence that consistently upholding the profession’s ethics will undoubtedly foster media quality, which will, as the subject states, deepen optimal judicial production.
“It is crucial that I stress the necessity of maintaining objectivity in our roles as journalists and judiciary correspondents.”As they say, a pen is mightier than a sword. So, you will concur with me when I say that skewed reporting will undoubtedly inspire partisanship that is not consistent with democratic principles.
Therefore, the NJI Administrator stated, “it remains a task that all stakeholders must close ranks to achieve the desire to ensure that you are at par with your contemporaries in other climes, in line with best global best practices.”
Judge Abdullahi reminded attendees that the importance of judicial integrity in fostering public trust in the judiciary cannot be overstated. Accordingly, it is imperative that judiciary reporters carefully craft their reporting to reflect the integrity displayed by judicial officers, as this is a key factor in doing so.
The Administrator reaffirmed that the vital role that judicial reporters play in covering judicial authorities is one that enhances transparency.
The National Judicial Institute Secretary, Abdullazeez Olumo Esq., reminded attendees in his remarks that the workshop’s theme also relates to the media.
Although Mr. Olumo praised judicial correspondents for the strong bond that exists between them and the NJI, he regretted that the public’s opinion of the judiciary has not been positive.
Mr. Olumo argued that what Nigerians read in mainstream and social media could be the reason behind the declining and unfavorable public view of the judiciary.
He emphasized that instead of focusing on sensationalism and biased reporting, the media, in particular judiciary reporters, should use their reports to educate the public about the workings of the judiciary, as he highlighted that the public is typically unaware of how the court operates.
Olumo claims that some matters that shouldn’t be in court are litigated, and when the litigant loses, they turn to criticizing the courts because their preferred outcome was not reached.
“Facts, evidence, and the law are important considerations when a case is heard and decided by the court. If you compare and contrast these three issues and make a strong case in court, justice will undoubtedly be served.
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“You receive back from the court what you give it. The legal system is not Santa Claus, providing you with things you did not request.
Olumo stated: “The media, in particular judicial correspondents, should aid in raising public awareness through unbiased, factual, and knowledgeable reporting in order to lessen the public’s unfavorable opinion of the judiciary.
The NJI Secretary declared, “Only the judiciary correspondents are capable of doing this, and we urge you to maintain your objectivity and impartiality in the course of your reporting, eschewing sensationalism.”
According to Olumo, the Institute, the workshop is here to stay because education is a lifelong learning process.
According to Olumo, learning never ends and a person can only truly stop when they pass away.
Thus, he gave his word that the NJI will keep holding capacity-building workshops to instruct and train Judiciary Correspondents.
Speaking next, Mr. Kayode Lawal, the Chairman of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents Abuja Chapter, commended Justice Garba Abdullahi (rtd), the Administrator of NJI, for keeping his word and making sure the yearly workshop for Judiciary Correspondents continues.
Lawal acknowledged that Judiciary Correspondents had improved in accuracy, guidance, and caution when selecting technical terms and reporting goals for the courts since the capacity-building program began many years ago.
He gave his word that the judiciary’s reporters would carry out their responsibilities fearlessly and with integrity, steering clear of scandalous subjects, sensationalism, and objective reporting.
Venerable Tunde Oyesina Esq. of the New Telegraph newspaper gave the first paper presentation, which was headed “Reportage of Court in Proceedings: Respect for Victims, Privacies and Presenting the Truth to the Public.”
