The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Barrister Kabir Akanbi, has called on judiciary correspondents to ensure their reportage is balanced, factual, and objective, especially when covering judicial matters at all levels.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Executive members of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja Chapter, led by Mr. Kayode Lawal of Daily Post, Akanbi emphasized the need to protect the integrity and image of the judiciary through well-researched and unbiased reporting.
He expressed concern over the proliferation of misleading and sensational reports, particularly on social media, which he said often portray the judiciary in a negative light without proper fact-checking.
“It is unfair and unpatriotic to generalize or condemn the entire judiciary based on the perceived misconduct of a few,” Akanbi said. “The majority of our judicial officers are men and women of honour, integrity, and proven character, diligently discharging their duties without fear or favour.”
He noted that the National Judicial Council (NJC) has mechanisms in place to discipline erring judicial officers, stressing that such isolated cases should not tarnish the image of the entire system.
Akanbi also lamented that many judicial officers do not have media aides or spokespersons to counter false narratives, making them vulnerable to one-sided, often damaging, reports. “When such reports go unchallenged, they damage not just the judiciary but Nigeria’s global reputation,” he warned.
He called for stronger collaboration between NAJUC and the judiciary to promote responsible reporting and mutual understanding.
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Earlier, NAJUC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Lawal, congratulated Barrister Akanbi on his appointment and reiterated the association’s commitment to factual and fair coverage of the judiciary. He acknowledged the vital role judiciary correspondents play in bridging the gap between the courts and the public.
Also speaking, Barrister Tobi Soniyi, Special Assistant (Media) to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, highlighted the longstanding relationship between NAJUC and the Supreme Court and urged continued partnership.
Top management staff of the Supreme Court were present at the meeting.
