Kano crime, judicial reporters tasked on objective journalism

He made the call during a courtesy visit to his office by the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Crime and Judicial Journalist in Kano on Thursday. According to him, journalists who find as odd the cordial relationship between judicial workers and legal counsels, do reflect such in their reports, adding that such reports […]

He made the call during a courtesy visit to his office by the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Crime and Judicial Journalist in Kano on Thursday. According to him, journalists who find as odd the cordial relationship between judicial workers and legal counsels, do reflect such in their reports, adding that such reports portray the judiciary in bad light to the public.

“I have always said, whenever I have the chance to lecture or address any gathering that those who undermine the judiciary are lawyers and judges. Some lawyers misinform their clients for monetary gains, while journalists read meanings into private relationship of judiciary workers, forgetting that magistrates and judges are human beings. They also relate with other people in good faith.”

Barrister Aliyu Umar urged judicial reporters to ensure they exist in harmony in the society through their unbiased reportage of crime and judicial events, noting that lopsided crime and judicial reports could culminate to mistrust of the judicial arm of government. He therefore tasked members of the fourth estate of the realm to discharge their duties with open mindedness and fairness.

“I want to say that you need to be objective and avoid taking side when reporting. When you are reporting crime or court cases please be fair by making sure you report both sides, I need to remind you that other journalists can play around, but you don’t have that chance because you are more prone to being slammed with libel, slander or contempt of court,” he stressed.

The Kano State Commissioner for Justice, said, “But it will not be fair to say that you are not doing credibly well, Kano courts are well reported in the print and electronic media and in fact, recently the arrest of the killers of a taxi driver was made possible by the press. Please keep it up and be watchful the elections are around the corner. There will be tribunal cases. That is when you are going to be more vulnerable.’’