Supreme Court Registrar Urges Balanced Reporting from Judiciary Correspondents
Abuja, Nigeria – The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Barrister Kabir Akanbi, has called on judiciary correspondents to prioritize balanced, fair, and objective reporting of judicial activities across the country. He emphasized the critical need to protect the judiciary’s image and credibility through well-researched and factual reportage.
Akanbi made this appeal during a weekend courtesy visit from the executive members of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja chapter. He expressed concern over the “disappointing and uncalled for” portrayal of the judiciary in public discourse, particularly from social media.
The Chief Registrar staunchly defended the integrity of the majority of Nigeria’s judicial officers. “I make bold to say that majority of judicial officers in the country are men of honor, integrity, highly educated and impeccable characters, who have been discharging their adjudicatory duties without blemish, fear or favor,” Akanbi stated. He argued it is “unpatriotic and unfair” to broadly condemn the judiciary for the perceived mistakes of a few, noting that identified misconduct is addressed through the National Judicial Council.
Read Also:
Akanbi highlighted the detrimental impact of sensational reporting, especially by social media outlets, on Nigeria’s international reputation. He noted that many reports targeting judicial officers are often unchecked, leading the public to believe unsubstantiated claims. “When these reports are reeled out to the public without proper fact-checking, the public always believed, and at the end of the day, it is Nigeria as a country that has her name dragged into the mud,” he asserted, adding that such reports can expose Nigerians to ridicule and unfair treatment abroad.
Calling for greater collaboration, Akanbi urged NAJUC members and the judiciary to foster a more cordial working relationship.
In response, Mr. Kayode Lawal, Chairman of NAJUC Abuja chapter, thanked Akanbi for the reception and congratulated him on his appointment. Lawal affirmed that judiciary journalists serve as spokespersons for judicial officers by disseminating judgments to the public, underscoring the importance of harmonious cooperation. He assured the Chief Registrar of NAJUC’s commitment to factual, objective, and fair reporting.
Barrister Tobi Soniyi, Special Assistant (Media) to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also present at the meeting, emphasized the long-standing positive relationship between NAJUC and the Supreme Court, appealing for its continued sustenance.
By PRNigeria
