By Duchess Ifeoluwa
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, have pledged to strengthen collaboration between the legal profession and the media in advancing justice, the rule of law and good governance in Ondo State.
The commitment was made when the newly inaugurated executives of the NBA Akure Branch, led by its Chairman, Oju Kekemeke, paid a courtesy visit to the NUJ Press Centre in Akure.
Kekemeke described the NUJ as the branch’s first point of call after the inauguration of its new executive, saying the gesture reflected the NBA’s recognition of the media as a critical partner in advancing the interests of society.
He said although lawyers and journalists operated in different professional spheres, both professions had important responsibilities to society, particularly in promoting justice, protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring accountability.
According to him, lawyers serve as advocates for justice and the rule of law, while journalists provide citizens with information and play a crucial role in holding public institutions accountable.
“Where the rule of law is weak, both institutions suffer. Where citizens are uninformed, justice becomes inaccessible. And where public institutions are not sufficiently accountable, democracy and good governance are weakened,” he said.
The NBA chairman proposed a deliberate partnership between the two organisations, identifying public legal education, capacity building for journalists on legal reporting, access to justice and protection of fundamental rights, promotion of the rule of law and good governance, as well as mutual institutional support and communication as key areas of collaboration.
He said the NBA was prepared to make lawyers available for radio and television programmes, public lectures and other platforms to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities.
Kekemeke also proposed periodic training sessions for journalists covering courts and legal matters, saying such training would enable media practitioners to develop a better understanding of legal principles and procedures, including fair hearing, presumption of innocence, contempt and the sub judice rule.
He further called for collaboration on issues affecting access to justice and vulnerable members of society, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting constitutionalism, accountability and respect for judicial decisions.
The NBA chairman suggested that both organisations should designate liaison officers to facilitate prompt and responsible communication whenever important legal or public-interest issues arise.
He also proposed the establishment of an annual Bar-Media Forum on Justice, Rule of Law and Good Governance in Ondo State.
He said the initiative was aimed at building “a better-informed citizenry, a stronger justice system and a more accountable society.”
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, commended the NBA Akure Branch for making the union its first point of call following the inauguration of its new executive.
Adegbite described the visit as an indication of the importance the legal profession attached to the media and expressed the union’s readiness to work with the NBA in areas that would strengthen professional capacity, improve public understanding of legal matters and promote accountability and good governance.
He noted that journalists, particularly those covering the judiciary, needed a proper understanding of legal processes and terminologies to ensure accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.
The NUJ chairman welcomed the proposed training for journalists, saying the union would support initiatives designed to improve the quality of legal and court reporting in the state.
He, however, stressed the need for both professions to maintain their independence and professional ethics while working together in the public interest.
Adegbite said the media remained committed to giving adequate attention to issues of justice, human rights and good governance, adding that effective collaboration with the Bar would further strengthen journalists’ ability to inform the public accurately.
He expressed optimism that the proposed Bar-Media Forum and other areas of collaboration would provide a sustainable platform for both institutions to exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships and address issues affecting society.I can also make the headline more punchy and give it a stronger **Nigerian Monitor front-page/news-feature treatment** if you want.
