The newly elected Chairman of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja chapter, Olakunle Olubunmi Olasanmi, has called on judiciary reporters to uphold accuracy and professionalism in covering court proceedings as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Olasanmi said responsible court reporting would help reduce the spread of false information and prevent the distortion of judicial decisions by individuals seeking to mislead the public. He described the judiciary beat as one of the most sensitive areas of journalism and urged members to remain committed to factual reporting.
Why Accurate Court Reporting Is Crucial
Speaking shortly after the inauguration of the association's eight-member executive committee over the weekend, as reported by NANS and Vanguard, the chairman said the new leadership would work closely with judicial stakeholders and security agencies to tackle the activities of fake news merchants and unaccredited individuals covering the courts.
Olasanmi also pledged to deliver a productive tenure and improve members' welfare. According to him, outstanding benefits owed to members for special occasions such as marriages, childbirth and bereavement would be reviewed and settled where possible.
"As part of plans to hit the ground running, we are going to pay all those who have had reasons to celebrate one thing or the other, like marriages, child birth, burial etc, who are being owed their entitlement in the next one month," Olasanmi said. "I and my EXCO will look at our financial books and see the possibilities of settling all outstandings."
Planned Changes Under New Leadership
Olasanmi announced plans to strengthen the association's finances through improved compliance with members' dues. He disclosed that the executive committee would seek the approval of Congress to increase monthly dues from ₦500 to ₦1,000.
He also constituted a three-member Standing Committee comprising Joseph Kadiri, Sunday Benjamin Ejike and Garry Ochigbo to support the executive whenever necessary. The chairman said members would also have the opportunity to review proposed amendments to the association's constitution during a future Congress.
Outgoing Chairman's Reflections
Olasanmi thanked members for their confidence in the new executive and promised to justify the mandate entrusted to his team. The immediate past chairman, Kayode Lawal, reflected on the achievements of the outgoing leadership, citing improvements in unity, training and members' welfare despite the challenges that followed the COVID-19 period.
"Looking back today in the area of unity of members, we fare very well and we thank you all for that," Lawal said. "In the area of training, we did not default. In the area of welfare, you are all in a better position to assess us."
Lawal urged members to extend the same level of cooperation to the new leadership, while Chairman of the 2026 Election Committee, Elder Andrew Orolua, congratulated the newly elected officials and called on members to pay their dues regularly to strengthen the association's activities.
