…As NUJ, Judiciary, Police Partner for Symposium 

By Udeme Hosea 

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Christopher Ekong, has tasked journalists in Akwa Ibom State to uphold ethics, accountability and transparency in crime and court reporting to strengthen public trust in the administration of justice.

Dignitaries at the event

Speaking on Wednesday as Chairman at the symposium on “Effective Crime and Court Reporting: The Role of the Media in the Administration of Justice” held at the Patience Umo Eno Auditorium, NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, Prof. Ekong said the media must resist sensationalism.  

“The role of the media in the administration of justice is to promote transparency and accountability, educate the public, protect the public interest and monitor law enforcement agencies,” 

Prof. Ekong cited the Agenda-setting and Framing theories to explain the responsibilities of the media in shaping public understanding responsibly. 

 

Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Christopher Ekong

“For effective court reporting, journalists must uphold accuracy, presumption of innocence, avoid media trials and sensational headlines,” he said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom state Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, hinted that the Police view the media as partners in security, but cautioned against reports that could jeopardize investigations.  

“An inaccurate statement may prejudice an investigation, destroy a person’s reputation, endanger lives or interfere with judicial proceedings,” he warned. 

“Report crime, but do not sensationalis it. Report arrests, but respect the presumption of innocence,” he added.

Also speaking, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah PhD, applauded the Comrade Nsibiet John-led NUJ executive for the initiative. He noted that capacity building for crime and court reporters was essential to reducing misinformation and strengthening trust in the justice system.

He charged journalists to prioritize fact-checking before publication. 

“Verify your facts, avoid speculation,” he said.

In his paper on “Courtroom Etiquette, Judicial Communication and Accurate Reporting”, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Friday J. Itim, explained the various court room etiquettes to include publishing of incorrect court proceedings.

“You can be cited for contempt of court, prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to confinement for a period up to two years for publishing incorrect court proceedings,” he said.  

Mr. Itim also urged journalists to observe courtroom decorum of putting phones on silence, decent dressing, address a High Court Judge as “My Lord “, a Magistrate as “Your Worship” and to understand legal terms such as arraignment, plea, discharge and acquittal.

Another resource person, Regional Editor, PREMIUM TIMES Newspaper, Comrade  Cletus Ukpong who spoke on ‘’balancing the desire for breaking news and fair, factual reporting while protecting victims, witnesses and vulnerable persons’’ advised Journalists to always verify information and hold government accountable in a responsive and responsible way,

He explained the importance of distinguishing between fact, claim, allegation, inference, protect victims, witnesses and vulnerable persons.

Ukpong, commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for supporting the state  Police Command in fighting crime, noting that the collaboration had helped reduce crime in the state.

Regional Editor, PREMIUM TIMES Newspaper, Comrade  Cletus Ukpong

Earlier in his opening remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, who described the training as necessary, urgent in the age of social media and artificial intelligence, urged journalists to utilize the opportunity for effective crime reporting.  

“The newsroom of today is not the newsroom of yesterday,”

 “In crime and court reporting especially, the pressure to be first must never override the obligation to be right. An arrest is not a conviction and an allegation is not proof.”  

Comrade John expressed gratitude to the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, for facilitating the training and to CP Baba Mohammed Azare, Elder Aniekan Umana PhD,  Rtd Justice Ifiok Ukana ,  Mr Cletus Ukpong and Friday Itim ESQ for their valuable contributions.