NUJ FCT, Federal High Court strengthen partnership for justice, accurate reporting

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has expressed its commitment to partnering with the Federal High Court to enhance the dispensation of justice and ensure accurate, responsible reportage across Nigeria.

This was revealed during a courtesy visit by the NUJ FCT executive team to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, at his office in Abuja.

During the visit, Comrade Ike, who led the NUJ delegation, lauded Justice Tsoho for his unwavering dedication to justice, particularly noting his leadership and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that tested the judiciary’s adaptability and strength.

She said: “we recognize and appreciate your distinguished service to the Judiciary since your appointment as Chief Judge in 2019 and your long-standing commitment to justice since 1998.

“Your leadership during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, where you ensured the Court remained functional through timely practice directions, is commendable.”

Comrade Ike also urged His Lordship on the need to strengthen the existing relationship between the Federal High Court and the FCT NUJ by identifying key areas of mutual interest like easy access to Court sessions by Journalists and training of Journalists on the reportage of judicial proceedings in a balanced and ethical manner.

She assured tha the Union will continue to perform its constitutional role as the Fourth Realm of the Estate serving as watchdog in the Society.

“The NUJ FCT acknowledges the critical role the judiciary plays in upholding democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

“As Journalists, we appreciate the Judiciary’s openness and cooperation with the Media, which fosters transparency and public trust.

“While we continue to harp the need for speedy dispensation of cases, Journalists will continue to contribute to this primarily by acting as watchdogs who hold the justice system accountable and keep the public informed, thus encouraging transparency and efficiency in judicial processes. Their reporting raises public awareness about delays or injustices, which can pressure authorities to expedite case handling and reforms.

“By providing timely, accurate, and ethical coverage of Court proceedings, Journalists help maintain public confidence in the justice system and deter misconduct.

“Media coverage ensures that cases remain in public memory, promoting accountability and reducing the likelihood of undue delays,” she noted.

The Chairman used the opportunity to appeal for training and retraining of Journalists especially those covering the Federal High Court to ensure accurate reportage.

“We will continue to seek Media training and retraining of Journalists and seek your presence at the NUJ FCT Press and week that will harp on artificial Intelligence.

“Cooperation between Courts and Journalists cannot be overemphasized

In his response, His Lordship, the Head of the Nigeria Federal High Court Hon. Chief Judge John Tsoho said the relationship between the Court and the NUJ has been there and the Court is willing to strengthen the existing relationship for the benefit of the Society.

He averred that the “relationship has been there. It’s aimed at archiving certain goals for the benefit of the society. So generally we are rendering service to the Society.

“We are promoting the dispensation of justice. We aimed at dispensation of quality judgement as well as speedy justice to the people. And what you do is to try as much as possible to report accurately of what we are doing to the larger Society; some segment of which is not particularly well informed or enlightened to what is required of us.

“You have a duty as partners in the field to inform the Society properly because you are trained to do the job. His Lordship while recognizing the importance of training assured the delegation of the court’s willingness to train Journalists covering the activities of the Court.

“As you have also pointed out, the aspect of training is very crucial to equip your body to do the job even much better . So even if you have been doing well, there is still room for improvement.

“So I quite agree with you that the aspect of training and retraining for Journalists just like other professionals is crucial. That way we will be able to do our jobs much better for the better information of those members of the Society who ordinarily wouldn’t be opportune to know what goes on.

“So generally we’re open. Our doors are open to you for cooperation as much as it is within the law. We will also be willing to participate in such activities that we are willing to as you have alluded to the issue of the football tournament.”

Part of the NUJ delegation are the Vice Chairman of the Council, Comrade Yahaya Ndambabo and the Secretary of Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle.

It is hoped that this renewed partnership between the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ FCT Council and the Federal High Court will translate to speedy dispensation of justice, accurate reportage of the Court activities and a better informed Nigeria on the Court activities.