Journalists’ Ejection from Court: NUJ demands sanctions against Akwa Ibom magistrate

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Akwa Ibom State has called for a thorough investigation and disciplinary action against Magistrate Godwin Edemekong. This demand stems from accusations of humiliation and the forceful removal of journalists from a court in Uyo, an incident that has ignited concerns over judicial transparency and press freedom.

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The courtroom is not the private chambers of any judicial officer.

The NUJ, through a statement by its state secretary Nsikak Esenowo, also seeks a public explanation and an unreserved apology from the magistrate. The union cited reports from investigative journalist Ibanga Isine and two other journalists who alleged they were barred from covering a criminal case involving a herder, Abdullahi Yusuf, at Magistrate Court 7. The NUJ accused Edemekong, his court clerk, and attached police officers of obstructing journalists who were lawfully present to cover the proceedings.

"The courtroom is not the private chambers of any judicial officer," the NUJ stated, characterizing the alleged actions as an assault on the principles of open justice, transparency, and press freedom, which are constitutionally guaranteed in Nigeria. The union argued that a judiciary operating in secrecy and hostility towards the press undermines its legitimacy in a democratic society.

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A judiciary that operates in secrecy and hostility to the press cannot claim legitimacy in a democracy.

Specifically, the NUJ urged the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State and the National Judicial Council to investigate the matter and impose appropriate sanctions. The union stressed that journalists play a vital constitutional role in informing the public and scrutinizing institutions, including the courts. "The rule of law dies in darkness. The press must be allowed to shine light into every courtroom without fear or favour," the statement concluded, vowing to resist any attempts to conduct judicial proceedings in secrecy through lawful means.

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The rule of law dies in darkness. The press must be allowed to shine light into every courtroom without fear or favour.