Akakan Umoh
The humiliation of journalists has sparked outrage resulting in Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Akwa Ibom State demanding an apology from Magistrate Godwin Edemekong for barring journalists from covering a court session.
The union further demanded the magistrate to tender a formal and unreserved apology to the affected journalists, their media organisations, and the NUJ for the abuse of power and unprofessional conduct.
Straightnews gathered that before the commencement of the court proceedings in the matter between the state Commissioner of Police and one Abdullahi Yusuf, a herder, the Magistrate was alleged to have barred, harassed, and forcibly ejected journalists from Magistrate Court 7, Fulga Street, Uyo on Thursday.
A press release signed by Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, State Secretary of the union on Friday expressed outrage over the conduct, and condemned the brazen obstruction, humiliation, and intimidation of journalists by the Magistrate, his court clerk, and police operatives attached to the court.
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The release stated that ‘‘Journalists on lawful duty to cover proceedings in the matter between the Commissioner of Police and one Abdullahi Yusuf, a herder, were arbitrarily barred, harassed, and forcibly ejected from an open court.
‘‘This matter is of significant public interest and the courtroom is not the private chambers of any judicial officer.
‘‘This conduct is a direct assault on the principles of open justice, transparency, and press freedom guaranteed under Section 22 and Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A judiciary that operates in secrecy and hostility to the press cannot claim legitimacy in a democracy.’’
According to it, ‘‘Journalists are not enemies of the court.
‘‘We are custodians of the public’s right to know and watchdogs of due process. To treat the press as a threat is to undermine accountability and embolden impunity.’’
The union, therefore, asked Magistrate Godwin Edemekong to publicly disclose the legal basis, if any, for humiliating and barring journalists from covering an open court session.
Not done, the union further called on the state Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, and the National Judicial Council to investigate the incident and apply appropriate disciplinary measures to deter future violations.
‘‘The NUJ will not tolerate the creeping culture of gagging the press in the temple of justice.
‘‘Any attempt to conduct judicial proceedings shrouded in secrecy will be resisted through all lawful means.
‘‘The rule of law dies in darkness. The press must be allowed to shine light into every courtroom without fear or favour,’’ the release added.
