Speech by NUJ Chairman Nsibiet John at One Day Symposium on Effective Crime and Court Reporting

SPEECH BY THE CHAIRMAN, NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS, AKWA IBOM STATE COUNCIL, COMRADE NSIBIET JOHN, AT THE ONE-DAY SYMPOSIUM ON EFFECTIVE CRIME AND COURT REPORTING HOLDING AT THE PATIENCE UMO ENO AUDITORIUM, NUJ PRESS CENTER, INFORMATION DRIVE, UYO, WEDNESDAY, 26TH AUGUST 2026.

It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this important one-day symposium on Effective Crime and Court Reporting, the Role of the Media in the Administration of Justice.

Today’s gathering is not merely another professional engagement on the calendar of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, it is a deliberate investment in knowledge, professional competence and the integrity of journalism, particularly in an area as sensitive and consequential as crime and court reporting.

The media occupies a strategic position in every democratic society. Through our reports, we inform citizens, scrutinise institutions, amplify legitimate concerns and contribute to public understanding of the administration of justice. However, with this influence comes a profound responsibility.

This is why this symposium is particularly timely and important.

We are, therefore, deeply grateful to the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, first, for facilitating this training and, more importantly, for recognising the importance of strengthening the relationship between the judiciary and the media through knowledge, dialogue and professional engagement.

The invaluable support of my Lord demonstrates a commendable understanding that a well-informed and professionally equipped media is an important partner in the administration of justice.

We sincerely appreciate this exemplary initiative and commitment to ensuring that journalists have a better understanding of the workings, procedures and responsibilities of the justice system.

I must also specially commend our distinguished resource persons for making their rich intellectual and professional resources available for this training.

We appreciate the Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof. Chris Ekong for not only accepting to chair this event, but also bringing his academic depth and vast intellectual perspective to this important conversation. The university remains a critical partner in the advancement of knowledge and the development of professional capacity, and we are delighted to have its leadership represented at this symposium.

Accordingly, we are honoured to have with us the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, whose wealth of experience in policing and criminal justice will provide invaluable insights into crime reporting, law enforcement and the responsibilities of the media in reporting security and criminal matters.

Our profound appreciation also goes to Retired Justice Ifiok Ukana, whose enviable professional legacy, years of judicial experience and deep understanding of the law will undoubtedly enrich the discussions and outcomes of this programme.

To all our resource persons, we say thank you for investing your time, knowledge and experience in the professional development of journalists in Akwa Ibom State. We do not take this gesture for granted.

Distinguished guests, this symposium is also a practical expression of the leadership’s vision of the current NUJ State Council to strengthen professionalism through strategic training and continuous capacity building.

These developments present enormous opportunities, but they also create new professional risks. In crime and court reporting especially, the pressure to be first must never override the obligation to be right.

The fact that information is circulating on social media does not make it verified. An arrest does not amount to a conviction. An allegation is not proof. And the media must never become a substitute for the court.

This training will, therefore, help journalists better appreciate these important distinctions and strengthen their ability to report judicial proceedings without prejudicing cases, violating the rights of individuals or compromising the integrity of the justice system.

The benefits of this programme are far-reaching. It will promote greater accuracy in crime and court reporting; deepen journalists’ understanding of judicial procedures; strengthen ethical journalism; improve media-judiciary relations; reduce sensational and prejudicial reporting; protect the rights of suspects, victims and other parties; and ultimately strengthen public confidence in both the media and the justice system.

It will also provide an opportunity for journalists to ask questions, clarify areas of uncertainty and develop a better appreciation of the realities confronting law enforcement agencies and the judiciary.

As journalists, we must constantly remind ourselves that the pen – or, in today’s world, the keyboard, camera and microphone – is a powerful instrument. It can educate, expose wrongdoing and strengthen democracy, but it can equally mislead, destroy reputations and inflame tensions when used without professionalism and responsibility.

The NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council will continue to advocate journalism that is ethical, responsible, fearless and accountable. We will continue to encourage our members to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, independence, accuracy and respect for human dignity.

We will also continue to create platforms for journalists to acquire new skills and deepen their knowledge because we believe that professionalism is not a destination; it is a continuous journey.

More importantly, we will remain firmly committed to the welfare and protection of our members, while defending both the journalism profession and journalists in the State against all forms of harassment, intimidation, victimisation and unfair treatment.

Let me assure our partners in the judiciary, the police and other institutions of justice – and, by extension, government and the wider society- that journalists in Akwa Ibom State remain committed to discharging their sacred responsibility professionally and in accordance with the core values and ethics of our profession.

We will continue to hold institutions accountable where necessary. We will do so responsibly. We will continue to inform the public, but we will not sacrifice accuracy for sensationalism. We will continue to ask difficult questions, but we will also respect due process and the rule of law.

Ultimately, the media, the police and the judiciary may perform different functions, but we share a common responsibility: to contribute to a just, peaceful and democratic society.

I am confident that, at the end of today’s engagement, every journalist here will return to the newsroom better equipped, better informed and more conscious of the enormous responsibility that accompanies the privilege of reporting matters relating to crime and the administration of justice. I am also confident that the police and judiciary workers will better the way they treat journalists too.

Once again, on behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, I sincerely appreciate the Honourable Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, our distinguished resource persons, members of the judiciary, the police, our colleagues in the media and every stakeholder who has contributed to making this programme possible.

May this symposium mark the beginning of an even stronger and more enduring collaboration among the media, the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in the administration of justice.

I wish us all a fruitful, engaging and intellectually rewarding symposium.

Thank you, and God bless you all.