The newly elected Chairman of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents, Abuja Chapter, Mr. Olakunle Olubunmi Olasanmi, has urged members of the association to uphold accuracy, fairness and professionalism in reporting court proceedings, especially as the 2027 general election approaches.
Olasanmi gave the charge over the weekend shortly after the inauguration of the eight-member Executive Committee of the association.
He described court reporting as a sensitive area of journalism, noting that accurate and factual reports are necessary to prevent the spread of fake news, false narratives and deliberate misrepresentation of court decisions by politicians and mischief makers.
According to him, judiciary correspondents have a duty to report court proceedings responsibly, particularly during election periods when court decisions are often subjected to political interpretation and manipulation.
The new chairman also assured members that NAJUC would work closely with stakeholders in the judiciary and security agencies to address the activities of purveyors of fake news and unaccredited journalists covering the courts.
He said the new leadership would do its best to leave behind a remarkable record by the time it hands over to the next administration.
“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, childbirth, burial, etc., who are being owed their entitlement in the next one month,” he said.
Olasanmi said the new executive would examine the association’s financial records to determine how to settle outstanding obligations.
He added that the administration would take the payment of monthly dues more seriously, disclosing that, subject to ratification by the NAJUC Congress, monthly dues may be increased from ₦500 to ₦1,000.
“Henceforth, we will take the issue of payment of monthly dues by members very seriously. As a matter of fact, subject to ratification by the NAJUC Congress, we are going to increase the monthly dues from ₦500 to ₦1,000, and already, the newly elected EXCO has fashioned out ways to ensure every member pays,” he said.
As part of efforts to strengthen the new administration, Olasanmi announced the constitution of a three-member Standing Committee comprising Mr. Joseph Kadiri, Mr. Sunday Benjamin Ejike and a member of the executive, Mr. Garry Ochigbo.
He explained that the committee would assist the executive whenever necessary.
The chairman also disclosed that the association would revisit recommendations made by the Constitution Review Committee and proposed amendments to the NAJUC Constitution.
“In the next few weeks, when Congress is called, we shall take another look at the recommendation made by the Constitution Review Committee and the amendment sought to be made to our Constitution,” he said.
“No doubt, there is a need for our law book to be amended, but that can only be done at our Congress, where everyone will have the opportunity to contribute one way or the other to the amendment.”
Olasanmi thanked members of the association for electing him and pledged not to betray the confidence reposed in him and his team.
He also commended the outgoing executive for its service, saying the new leadership would build on its achievements.
“I also want to thank the outgoing EXCO for a job well done. They did their best, and by the grace of God, we shall pick it from where they stopped,” he said.
He further thanked the immediate past Chairman, Mr. Kayode Lawal, for his advice and support, as well as the NAJUC Electoral Committee chaired by Elder Andrew Orolua for conducting what he described as a rancour-free election.
In his remarks, Lawal expressed gratitude to members for supporting his administration, which he said began in 2020 shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said his administration made efforts to implement its campaign promises, particularly in the areas of unity, training and welfare.
According to him, NAJUC held its national conference six times during his tenure, with sustained collaboration with the National Judicial Institute.
“We may not have achieved everything we promised given the prevailing circumstances on ground, but we are happy that we did not let you down,” Lawal said.
He appealed to members to extend even greater cooperation to the new leadership, noting that good leadership requires good followership.
Also speaking, Chairman of the NAJUC 2026 Election Committee, Elder Andrew Orolua, congratulated the new executive and commended members for their cooperation throughout the election process.
He also urged members to take payment of dues seriously, stressing that the association cannot make meaningful progress when many members fail to meet their obligations.
Members of the new executive are Olakunle Olubunmi Olasanmi, Chairman; Emmanuella Ekele, Vice Chairman; Alexander Enumah, General Secretary; Godfrey Eshiemoghe, Assistant Secretary; Wandoo Sombo, Treasurer; Austin Okezie, Financial Secretary; Oluwafemi Kuku, Welfare Officer; and Garry Ochigbo, Provost.
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