Niger Attorney General urges journalists to abide by professional ethics By Uthman Yawa-Siraja
Niger State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barr Nasiru Mua'zu, has called on journalists covering judicial activities to always guide against unprofessional conduct in the discharge of their duties in the overall interest of peace and national cohesion.
Speaking when the delegation of journalists paid him a courtesy visit, he advised that they should always cross-check their facts before rushing for publication in order to avoid misinformation, stressing that journalists, as the mirror of society, have a duty to strictly adhere to their professional code of ethics.
He stated that he initiated the formation of the Judiciary Press Crew during his days as the Chief Registrar of the State High Court for the members of the press to carry out the coverage of the activities of the state judiciary unhindered.
According to the attorney general, if other arms of government like the State Assembly and the government house have their own press crew, "it will not be out of place for the judiciary to have its own for effective coverage of the judiciary activities, which informed my decision for the press crew for the judiciary".
He maintained that journalists were contributing immensely to the growth and political development of the state and the country in general, hence the need for decorum, respect, and unity of purpose amongst themselves.
He explained that as members of the fourth estate of the realm, the state government and his ministry will work hand in hand with the media to project the good image of the government at all times.
He then appreciated members of the Press Corps for the visit and hoped that the good cordial relationship existing between them, the ministry as well as the judiciary, would continue.
In his brief remarks, the leader of the delegation, Comrade Aidelojo Ojo, said they deemed it very necessary to visit the commissioner and to congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment.
Comrade Ojo assured him that members of the Press Corps will exhibit a high sense of professionalism and decorum in the discharge of their responsibilities as journalists.
He appealed to the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to always avail the Judicial Press Corps of his functions and activities of the ministry for prompt, timely, objective, and effective coverage.