The Judiciary and the Media are key pillars of democracy, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said.
Kekere-Ekun made this statement in her address at the 2024 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
The CJN was represented by Mr Abdulaziz Olumo, the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
“ The judiciary and the media occupy unique and complementary roles in any democratic society.
“ The judiciary serves as the guardian of justice, equity, and the rule of law, the media acts as the conscience of society, disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and ensuring accountability.
“ Together, these institutions provide checks and balances that strengthen the fabric of democracy,” she said.
Quoting Felix Frankfurter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she said: free press is not to be preferred to an independent judiciary, nor an independent judiciary to a free press. Neither has primacy over the other; both are indispensable to a free society.”
The CJN said this dynamic interdependence between the judiciary and the media presents opportunities and challenges alike.
“ The media is entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about judicial activities, the judiciary relies on accurate and ethical reportage to enhance public confidence in its work.
“ However, the inherent power of the media to influence public opinion requires careful management, especially when its focus turns to judicial proceedings.
“ The question posed by Robert J.Cordy, a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is pertinent here: “What happens when the free press turns its sights on the courts-scrutinizing, sensationalizing, and exposing the frailties of the judiciary while questioning its ethical standards and performance?”
“The media’s capacity to shape narratives and perceptions is undeniable” she said.
Quoting Jim Morrison , she said “Whoever controls the media controls the mind.”
According to her, this underscores the immense responsibility placed on journalists to report truthfully, fairly, and objectively.
“ Unfortunately, the commercialisation of news and external influences have led to the rise of sensationalism-a practice that distorts facts, erodes trust, and undermines the very essence of journalism.
“ Sensationalised headlines, such as the infamous 2016 headline “We raided the houses of ‘corrupt, unholy’ judges, says DSS,” can paint a skewed picture of the judiciary and its officers. Such reporting, often devoid of context, compromises the integrity of the justice system and misleads the public.
“ Closely tied to this is the issue of “trial by media,” where premature and often biased media narratives prejudge cases and infringe on the constitutional rights of individuals” she said.
She added that as Mahatma Gandhi rightly observed, “The sole aim of journalism should be service.” It is imperative for media practitioners to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and objectivity.
To this end, she advised, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents to take proactive steps to regulate the activities of its members.
“ This is not merely about enforcing rules but about fostering professionalism and safeguarding the credibility of the media.
“ The judiciary and the media must work as partners in progress.
“ To bridge the gap between these institutions, there is a pressing need for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
“ Courts can provide the media with guidelines on judicial processes, courtroom decorum, and the nuances of court proceedings.
She noted that globally, courts have adopted initiatives to support the media’s role in reporting judicial matters.
For instance, she said the Supreme Court of Dakota’s media guide outlines protocols for courtroom reporting, while the UK ‘s Media Guidance document provides clarity on access and etiquette for journalists.
“ These examples demonstrate how structured collaboration can enhance the quality of judicial reportage.
“ In Nigeria, we can take a cue from these models by developing a comprehensive media guide tailored to our judicial landscape.
“ This initiative, which would involve inputs from NAJUC and judicial stakeholders, would not only enhance media access to courtrooms but also ensure that judicial activities are accurately and responsibly reported” she said.
She advocated that judiciary correspondents must make deliberate efforts to familiarise themselves with the rules and procedures of the courts.
She added that understanding these frameworks will enable journalists to navigate the complexities of judicial proceedings effectively and responsibly.
“ Training programs such as this conference play a crucial role in equipping judiciary correspondents with the knowledge and skills needed to report judicial matters accurately.
“ The theme of this year’s conference, “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” is both timely and significant, as it addresses an aspect of judicial work that is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
“ I commend NAJUC for its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency through its engagements with the judiciary.
“ As I conclude, I must emphasize the importance of credible journalism in strengthening public trust in the judiciary” she said.
She urged judiciary correspondents to prioritise the pursuit of truth and objectivity, resist undue influences, and remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical standards.
She commended the leadership of NAJUC, under the chairmanship of Mr Kayode Lawal, for its efforts in promoting professionalism among judiciary correspondents.

The Senate has issued an arrest warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, to appear before its Committee on Works.
The Tide’s source reports that the warrant was for Lubasch to explain the utilisation of funds appropriated for the reconstruction work on Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.
The warrant followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co-sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) and Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP- Rivers) at plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
Ngwu, in the motion said, that the senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.
He said that in furtherance to the investigative hearings, Julius Berger refused to honour invitations to provide details of its role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway project, in spite of receiving substantial public funds.
He said that this was worrisome, given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.
Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct investigations on any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.
He said that the powers set out in section 6 of the legislative powers and privileges act empowered the Senate to issue warrants of arrest on persons in contempt of its proceedings.
The Tide source reports that the senate further ruled that President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger managing director to appear on a date to be communicated.
Akpabio said that the senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“This senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.
“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.
“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.
“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.
“If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has advised Nigerian youths to discard animosity among themselves and embrace those things that unite them more so that they can impact communities and the country positively.
The Governor maintained that if youths are united in love, and committed to national growth holistically, without being sectional about it, they would have contributed immensely to solving half of Nigeria’s myriad of problems.
Governor Fubara gave the advise when he received in audience a delegation of National officers and State Chapter Coordinators of National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN), led by their National President, Amb Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Monday.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria also conferred on Governor Fubara the “Beacon of Hope for Nigerian Youths” award, and the Award plaque was presented by Amb Sukubo.
He said youths represent a strong voice, adding that if they tackle the disunity that often factionalised their organisations, their importance, not only in number but value addition, will crystalise how Nigeria navigates its development and achieves enduring growth in all ramifications.
The Governor said, “You (Sukubo) are doing the right thing; you are bringing the youths together. Look, if there is any problem that we have in this country today, it is the issue of youths. If you are able to bring them together, which is what you are doing today, and it is good.
“You can imagine, if this youth council is so divided, there will be trouble in this country, but because you are united, even if you are facing a difficult situation, even when the country is having any challenge that would warrant people to protest, when you come together and say look, for so, and so reason, we should not allow it this way, it will be so.
“You constitute a strong voice that is also contributing to the unity of this country. So, you don’t need to be scared. You are doing the right thing, but stand on the path of truth always.”
Governor Fubara said when the letter was got notifying the State Government about the 60th Anniversary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, there was no hesitation to ensure that it was a success in the State.
The Governor advised the leadership of the body, particularly Amb Sukubo, to be a good ambassador of the State.
He said, “My advice to you will be this: You said something about people fighting or attempting to frustrate the anniversary event. You don’t need to worry about it. Challenges make you stronger, and make you think faster.
“Just do what you know is the right thing. When you are doing the right thing, you don’t need to be worried. When you are doing something that you know that in 25 to 30 years coming, you can defend it, you don’t need to be worried. It is only when you are doing the wrong thing that you need to be scared.”
Governor Fubara noted with delight the determination of NYCN to host its 60th anniversary in Rivers State, which underscores the prevailing peace in the State.
He said: “What you have come to do in Rivers State is to tell the world that, Rivers State is safe, Rivers State is moving, Rivers State is friendly and above all, Rivers State is ready anytime to receive and admit people that are coming to make positive impact in the State.”
Governor Fubara stated that the success story of Amb Sukubo as a National President will not be complete without mentioning his contributions, beginning from 2007, insisting that he had built people or supported their achievements before even becoming a Governor.
The Governor noted, “I tell you, success is not about how large your head is, or the level of degrees attached to your name for you to be a successful person. But it is your ability to manage, to tolerate and to make sacrifices.
“You have brought this youth body together because you accepted to make sacrifices for the interest of the council. I am happy that everywhere today, we are feeling the effect of the unity that the National Youth Council is enjoying today.”
Governor Fubara said, he is accepting the award from NYCN on behalf of his family and good people of Rivers State because his performance in office truly has given hope to millions of people.
He stated that because he is their role model, he will not let them down but continue to do those things that will give youths hope in Nigeria.
He added, “I will be among the group that will continue to champion the course of the youths because you’re future leaders.
“I have shown it in my administration. A lot of youths are involved, if the opportunity comes to give more chances to them, we will do it.
“Some of you are so blessed. So, it is just to harness it positively, which will get Nigeria to that place where we want Nigeria to be.”
In his speech, National President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Amb Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, recalled how the immediate past administration that promised to host delegates to his election in 2018, abandoned him with the hotel bill of N63million and never wanted any dealings with him anymore.
Amb Sukubo said this is the first time his State will do him honour, hosting the 60th Anniversary celebration of NYCN, and giving him a pride of place in the comity of youths across the nation.
He promised to continue to galvanize support of youths for the success of the administration of Governor Fubara.
Also speaking, Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Chisom Gbali, highlighted how Governor Fubara has mainstreamed youths in his administration by giving them strategic positions that can enable them transit into confident leaders in a virile society, and thanked him for his youth-friendly policies.