As Imo NUJ unveils Workstation, Induct Diamond Members
OWERRI, June 30, 2025 — In a powerful keynote address at the opening of the NUJ Workstation in Owerri, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch (2016–2018), L.U.N. Nwakaeti Esq, called for urgent reforms in the judiciary and media to safeguard and deepen Nigeria’s democratic experience. He declared both institutions as “indispensable” to the survival of democracy, while lamenting their growing inefficiencies, interference, and decay. Drawing on legal history and constitutional mandates, he stressed the need for independence, accountability, and a return to professionalism.
According to Nwa
kaeti, democracy thrives only when there is strict adherence to the rule of law and protection of human rights, roles constitutionally assigned to the judiciary. He noted that judicial independence, once hailed as the last hope of the common man, is now largely observed in the breach. “The system is independent in theory but easily manipulated in practice,” he said. He decried the erosion of merit in judicial appointments, calling it a tragedy where “judicial offices are now seen as hereditary rights, spousal gifts and tokens of political patronage.” He called for bold reforms to restore confidence in the judiciary, enforce accountability, and protect civil liberties.
Turning to the media, Nwakaeti described it as the “moral and directional compass” of democracy. Citing Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, he emphasized the media’s role in promoting good governance, exposing corruption, and fostering public engagement. However, he expressed concern over increasing government interference, censorship, and the alarming ownership of media houses by politicians, which, he argued, has reduced investigative journalism to a mere shadow of itself. “Instead of informing and educating, many media houses now function as mouthpieces of their political owners,” he added.
He further criticized the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), labeling it an outdated relic of military dictatorship. “The NBC, as currently constituted, is inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of free speech,” Nwakaeti argued. He insisted that civil and criminal laws already provide sufficient safeguards against irresponsible journalism, making the NBC redundant and potentially dangerous to press freedom in a democracy.
Nwakaeti urged both institutions to work together in restoring public trust. He advocated for a merit-based judiciary, adequate funding, transparency in court processes, and ethical journalism devoid of political compromise. “A robust democracy,” he said, “cannot stand without a fearless judiciary and a free, responsible press. Their synergy remains our strongest hope for a better Nigeria.”
In another development, deserving members of the council were inducted into “Media Diamond Membership “ the highest cadre of journalism practice in Imo State. Also the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chidi Nkwopara on behalf of the trustees, the leadership and members of the Imo chapter of NUJ unveiled the sophisticated and well equipped workstation for the use of members and the general public; it includes business center, and internet facilities.
0 Comments