Judiciary journalists tasked on accurate court reporting ahead of 2027 elections

Judiciary Journalists in the country have been told to be objective, factual and accurate in their reporting of unfolding court proceedings, especially as the 2027 election approaches.

The newly elected Chairman of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondent, NAJUC, Mr Olakunle Olubunmi Olasanmi, who made the call, observed that court reporting is a very sensitive area of journalism that required extra care and objectivity.

He noted that members by being factual and accurate in their reports would go a long way in curtailing fake news as well as deliberate misrepresentation of court decisions and pronouncements by some politicians and mischief makers.

Olasanmi made the call at weekend in Abuja shortly after Mr Kayode Lawal of the Daily Post Media handed the baton of leadership to him and members of the newly elected Executive Committee.

He assured that the organization will work closely with stakeholders in the judiciary sector and security agencies to ensure that conveyers of fake news and unaccredited journalists covering the courts are phased out.

Speaking after the inauguration of the eight-member Executive Committee, the chairman also assured members that the new leadership will do its best to ensure it leaves behind a remarkable footprint by the time they would be handing over to the next administration.

As part of efforts to ensure that the new administration excel, Olasanmi announced the setting up of a three- man Standing Committee, comprising of Mr Joseph Kadiri, Mr Sunday Benjamin Ejike and a member of the executive committee, Mr Garry Ochigbo.

He disclosed that the committee shall be called upon to assist the association in one way or the other whenever necessary.

“In the next few weeks, when Congress is called, we shall take another look at the recommendation made by the Constitution Review Committee and the amendment sought to be made to our Constitution.

“No doubt, there is need for our law Constitution to be amended but that can only be done at our Congress, where everyone will have the opportunity to contribute one way or the other to the amendment,” he added.

Meanwhile, the chairman thanked  members and those who stood by him, supported and believed in him, even, before the election and promised not to let them down.

“I also want to thank the immediate past leaders for a job well done, they did their best and by the grace of God, we shall pick it from where they stopped. Also, I want to say a big thank you to every member of this noble association, the association for giving me your mandate.

“Before I end this address, I want to thank Mr Kayode Lawal, the immediate past Chairman of this association, for his advise, counsel and all before the election. I want to also, thank the Electoral Committee, headed by Elder Andrew Orolua for a job well done in conducting a rancour free election.

“Lastly, on behalf of the newly elected officers headed by my humble self, I am assuring you that as you have elected us today, we have resolved to work for you to the very best of our abilities and in the course of performing our responsibilities, we will step on toes, please forgive us ahead,” he pleaded.

Earlier, the immediate past chairman, Mr Kayode Lawal, expressed his gratitude to all members for making his tenure not only remarkable but peaceful and hitch free.

He recalled that his administration first came on board in 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 lockdown when everything was down in the country, but, through the unwavering support of members, was able to succeed and record achievements.

“Upon our assumption of leadership, we made great efforts to implement some of the promises we made during electioneering process.

“Looking back today in the area of unity of members, we fare very well and we thank you all for that.

“In the area of training, we did not default. In the area of welfare, you are all in a better position to assess us.

“Nevertheless, let me say that we held our National Conference six times despite challenges. With the sustained collaboration with the National Judicial Institute NJI, we had the training six times during the six years period.

“We may not have achieved everything we promised giving the prevailing circumstances on ground, we are happy that we did not let you down,” Lawal said.

He, however, appealed that the same cooperation, even greater, be extended to the new leadership, noting that it takes a good followership to have a good leadership.

He also prayed the Lord to be with the new leadership and give them the necessary strength, wisdom, tolerance and knowledge to steer the ship of the association to the promised land.

Also speaking, Chairman of the  2026 Election Committee, Elder Andrew Orolua, congratulated the new leadership and thanked them for their cooperation throughout the election process, as well as ensuring that their campaigns were sane and met the basic requirements.

“And to other contestants who made the contest worth its name, tomorrow is another day,” he advised.

Orolua however called on all members to take the issue of payment of dues very seriously, as the association cannot make any meaningful impact when a large number of members are defaulting in their obligations.

Members of the new executive committee are – Chairman, Olakunle Olubunmi Olasanmi; Vice Chairman, Emmanuella Ekele; General Secretary, Alexander Enumah; Assistant Secretary, Godfrey Eshiemoghe; Treasurer, Wandoo Sombo; Financial Secretary; Austin Okezie; Welfare Officer, Oluwafemi Kuku and Provost, Garry Ochigbo.