The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Kabir Akanbi, has cautioned judiciary correspondents against sensational reporting, urging them to uphold fairness, objectivity, and accuracy in their coverage of judicial activities across the country.
Akanbi issued the advice in Abuja over the weekend while receiving executive members of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja chapter, led by its chairman, Mr Kayode Lawal, during a courtesy visit.
He expressed concern over what he described as disappointing and often misleading portrayals of the judiciary, particularly by social media platforms.
The Chief Registrar emphasized that while there may be a few lapses within the system, it is wrong to generalize or tarnish the image of the entire judiciary based on the actions of a few.
“Majority of judicial officers in Nigeria are men and women of integrity, honour, and sound character. They discharge their duties without blemish, fear, or favour,” Akanbi said.
He stressed that sensational and unverified reports not only damage the reputation of individual judicial officers but also harm the image of the judiciary and the country at large.
He noted that many judicial officers lack spokespersons or personal aides to defend them publicly, making them vulnerable to media attacks.
“When reports are released without proper fact-checking, they are often accepted by the public as truth, thereby dragging Nigeria’s name into disrepute,” he said.
Akanbi also pointed out that the National Judicial Council (NJC) is actively addressing misconduct among judicial officers, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and accountability.
He called for stronger collaboration between the judiciary and members of NAJUC to ensure more accurate and responsible journalism in the justice sector.
In his remarks, NAJUC Chairman Kayode Lawal congratulated Akanbi on his recent appointment as Chief Registrar and described the visit as a show of solidarity and support.
Lawal emphasized the important role judiciary correspondents play in disseminating court judgments and proceedings to the public, describing journalists as unofficial spokespersons for the judiciary.
He urged the Chief Registrar to justify the confidence reposed in him by demonstrating sound leadership and administrative excellence in his new role.
Lawal expressed confidence in Akanbi’s ability to succeed, citing his rich legal background and administrative acumen. He also assured the judiciary of NAJUC’s commitment to fair, balanced, and accurate reporting.
Also present at the meeting was Barrister Tobi Soniyi, Special Assistant (Media) to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who reiterated the long-standing relationship between the judiciary and NAJUC and called for its continued strengthening.
Top management officials of the Supreme Court were also in attendance.