RismadarVoice Reporters
June 22, 2026
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has called for stronger mutual respect among Nigeria’s key democratic institutions, urging the judiciary, legal practitioners, and security agencies to deepen collaboration and safeguard press freedom.
Comrade John made the call while speaking at a panel session during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Uyo Branch Bar Week celebration, where stakeholders discussed justice delivery, human rights, and professional ethics.
He expressed concern over reported cases of interference with legal and media practice, particularly alleged incidents of intimidation and arrest of lawyers and journalists around court premises by security operatives.
According to him, such actions undermine institutional trust and weaken democratic values, stressing that all arms of governance must operate within the spirit of respect and due process.
The NUJ chairman emphasised that journalists play a critical constitutional role as watchdogs of society and custodians of public information, insisting that they must be granted unhindered access to perform their duties without harassment or obstruction.
He further appealed to judicial officers to ensure fair and open treatment of members of the press in courts, noting that journalists are not disruptions to proceedings but essential partners in ensuring transparency and accountability in the justice system.
Comrade John also called on legal practitioners to consistently defend press freedom and support journalists whenever their rights are threatened, stressing that both professions share a common responsibility in strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
He maintained that enhanced cooperation between the media and the legal profession would reinforce institutional accountability and promote a more transparent and effective justice system in Nigeria.
