Nigerian Journalists have been advised to respect the sanctity of the ethics of journalism, avoid fake news, hate speech and other practices inimical to the concepts of fairness, objective reporting and analyses of unfolding events, and to above all place national interest above personal interest in the discharge of their duties.
The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (HAGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN, gave the advice at the swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected executives of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondent (NAJUC), which took place in the Ministry’s Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium during the weekend,
Malami assured his Ministry’s commitment and by extension the Federal Government to support the media in dissemination of credible, true, accurate and reliable information devoid of mischief and axe-grinding.
He said, “As a government, we are reiterating our commitment to supporting the media through provision of unceasingly atmosphere for socially –responsible independent press with unhindered right of access to information within the context of promotion of public interest.”
According to him, this will continue bearing in mind, the Provision of Freedom of Information Act (2011), Section 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria among other extant legal bases for the operation of the press in the country.
On the issue of Gender-Based Violence and Sexual assault, Malami said his office has taken bold and decisive steps in addressing the sexual and gender based-violence by constituting a committee that is saddled with the responsibility of putting to an end the ugly trend.
He also said they have set in motion, mechanism for Post Covid-19 Justice system where modern technologies will be applied to cover lost grounds due to closure of courts rooms as preventive measure for the spread of the virus.
With regard to corruption, the minister said, “you are very much conversant of the giant strides of the present administration in the fight against corruption and our efforts in the recovery of the Federal Government looted assets and ways in which the recovered funds are being put for higher –impact public oriented and social development projects.”
The HAGF who was pleased to attend and formally inaugurate the newly elected Executive Council members of NAJUC (Abuja), acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Association, in keeping Nigerians abreast on the unfolding developments especially those relating to the judiciary and justice sector in the country.
The newly–elected Chairman of the Association, Mr. Kayode Lawal in his acceptance speech, thanked the Honourable Minister for identifying with them by his presence at the event despite his tight schedule and also graciously allowing the association to use the Ministry’s hall for the election.
Lawal assured the Minister, of the Association’s readiness to project activities of the Ministry to the Nigerian public. He expressed satisfaction to members over the free, fair and credible election and promised to carry out their duties diligently.
Other newly-elected members are Paschal Njoku (secretary), Femi Kuku (financial secretary), Vivian Okejeme (Treasurer), while Peter Bahago is to take charge of the Welfare.
Ogochukwu Igboamalu
For: Deputy Director (Information)
