By Deborah Onyofufeke
The administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, on Monday, charged Judiciary correspondents to endeavour they fact-check information before disseminating it to the public.
He noted that it is of great importance for the Judiciary correspondents to report genuine and credible news as the Judiciary plays a critical role in the smooth running of the Nigerian government.
Justice Abdullahi stated this in Abuja at the National Workshop for Judiciary correspondents organized by the institute to sensitize the association.
The NJI administrator further called on journalists to be in tune with the current and emerging developments in society at large with the 2023 elections in sight.
He said “ This workshop is indeed relevant in light of present and emerging developments in the polity, especially as we approach an election year, wherein the media will be playing a key role in this all-important Democratic process.
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“As we are all aware, democracy is dynamic and as such, journalists are encouraged to be in tune with the current and emerging developments, not just in Judiciary but in the society at large as freedom of speech is a fundamental right guaranteed by the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended).
“It cannot be overemphasized that the Judiciary is an indispensable partner in ensuring the stability of governance in this country.
“ The Judiciary as an important stakeholder plays a critical role in ensuring and entrenching sustainable solutions to daunting legal challenges especially as it affects the smooth running of government in Nigeria. As such, it is important that journalists covering the Judiciary must be circumspect in reporting genuine and credible news.
“To this end, it is expected that judicial correspondents regularly fact check their information before reporting same to the public “. Justice Abdullahi noted.
