Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has urged the media to adhere to ethical standards in reporting the judiciary, educating the public about their rights, and amplifying the voices of the oppressed.
The chief law officer emphasised this point at a lecture titled “The Judiciary as the Last Hope of the Common Man: Media and Legal Perspectives.”
He conveyed this message through Prof. Joshua Olatoke, SAN, who represented him at the annual lecture organised by the media outfit, Gavel International, in Lagos on Friday.
Fagbemi encouraged the fourth estate of the realm to maintain balance in their reporting and to ensure that positive news is also covered.
While discussing various challenges and achievements of the judiciary, he acknowledged the media as a powerful tool.
He cautioned against the misuse of the media—through sensational headlines, exaggerated stories, or outright misinformation—could lead to division along ethnic lines, erosion of trust among citizens, political instability, and more.
He urged, “The media should be a bridge that connects citizens, fosters dialogue, and promotes understanding. Its power should be used to address issues constructively, highlighting solutions rather than fanning the flames of conflict. There is a need to prioritise the adoption of ethical journalism standards, balanced reporting, and to avoid clickbait headlines. Additionally, it is important to invest in fact-checking, promote constructive content, and engage in capacity building.
“As citizens, we must also hold the media accountable. Question the narratives, demand factual reporting, and support platforms that prioritise integrity over sensationalism. The media has the power to disrupt or to unite. Let us urge our journalists and media organisations to rise to the occasion, fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and building a stronger, more unified Nigeria.”
Also speaking at the event, Dele Adesina, Principal Partner at Dele Adesina LP, addressed what he described as the violent attacks on judges and courts in the country.
Adesina called for constructive criticism of the judiciary, stating, “The violent attacks on the judges and justices of our courts, and the sustained blackmail against the entire judicial system, are wrong and will not help this nation or anyone.
“I do not oppose constructive criticism of the judiciary, nor do I oppose a clear and honest appraisal of it. However, the nature of the criticism we are currently hearing and reading is destructive, and this will not benefit our justice system. We need to commit to self-examination that will lead to a genuine realisation of our ultimate destination. We must not let our current situation discourage us; instead, let our vision for the future motivate us.”
Mr. Mustapha Kunle Ogunsakin, the Publisher of Gavel International, emphasised the need to restore the hope of the common man in the judiciary and other government institutions.
He believes that both the judiciary and the media have crucial roles to play in this regard.
The event witnessed the crème-de-la-crème in the legal and media communities, some of who are; Lawal Pedro (SAN), Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Gbenga Oyebode (SAN) chairman of the occasion, Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos Commissioner for Information, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi, Juli Pharmacy- Father of the Day, Femi Falana, SAN.
Others are, Mrs. Maureen Chigbo, President, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Richard Akinnola, Senior Journalist, Prof. Hope Eghagha, Mrs. Joke Layi Babatunde, Asabe Waziri, Adedoyin Adesoji who represented Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN) and family and friends of the host.
