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By Francesca Hangeior, Abuja

The newly elected Chairman of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondent (NAJUC), Abuja chapter, Mr Olakunle Olubunmi Olasanmi has stressed on the need for members of the association to be accurate in their reporting of court proceedings, especially as the 2027 election approaches.

The chairman who observed that court reporting is a very sensitive area of journalism noted that members by being factual and accurate in their reports would go a long way in curtailing fake and false news, as well as deliberate misrepresentation of court’s decisions and pronouncements by some politicians and mischief makers.

Meanwhile, Olasanmi assured that NAJUC will work closely with stakeholders in the judiciary and security agencies to ensure conveyers of fake news and unaccredited journalists covering the courts are phased out.

Speaking over the weekend, shortly after the inauguration of the eight-member Executive Committee, the chairman also assured members that the new leadership will do its best to ensure it leaves behind a remarkable footprint by the time they would be handing over to the next administration.

“As part of plans to hit the ground running, we are going to pay all those who have had reasons to celebrate one thing or the other, like marriages, child birth, burial etc, who are being owed their entitlement in the next one month.

“I and my EXCO will look at our financial books and see the possibilities of settling all outstandings.

“Henceforth, we will take the issue of payment of monthly dues by members very seriously. As a matter of fact, subject to ratification by the NAJUC Congress, we are going to increase the monthly dues from N500 to N1000 and already, the newly elected EXCO has fashioned out ways to ensure every member pays”, he assured.

As part of efforts to ensure that the new administration excel, Olasanmi, acting on the powers conferred on him as chairman announced the setting up of a three- man Standing Committee, comprising of Mr Joseph Kadiri, Mr Sunday Benjamin Ejike and a member of the EXCO, Mr Garry Ochigbo.

He disclosed that the Committee shall be called upon to assist the EXCO in one way or the other whenever necessary.

“In the next few weeks, when Congress is called, we shall take another look at the recommendation made by the Constitution Review Committee and the amendment sought to be made to our Constitution.

“No doubt, there is need for our law book to be amended but that can only be done at our Congress, where everyone will have the opportunity to contribute one way or the other to the amendment”, he added.

Meanwhile, the chairman thanked all NAJUC members and those who stood by him, supported and believed in him, even, before the election and promised not to let them down.

“I also want to thank the out-gone EXCO for a job well done, they did their best and by the grace of God, we shall pick it from where they stopped. Also, I want to say a BIG thank you to every member of this noble association, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondent, NAJUC, for giving me your mandate.

“Before I end this address, I want to thank Mr Kayode Lawal, the immediate past Chairman of this association, for his advise, counsel and all before the election. I want to also, thank the NAJUC Electoral Committee, headed by Elder Andrew Orolua for a job well done in conducting a rancour free election and not forgetting Mr Joseph Kadiri, who has been and is still my very staunch supporter, thank you very much.

“Lastly, on behalf of the newly elected EXCO headed by my humble self, I am assuring you that as you have elected us today, we all have resolved to work for you to the very best of our abilities and in the course of performing our responsibilities, we will step on toes, pls forgive us ahead”, he pleaded.

Earlier, the immediate past chairman, Mr Kayode Lawal, expressed his gratitude to all members for making his tenure not only remarkable but peaceful and hitch free.

Recalling that the administration first came on board in 2020, shortly after the COVID-19, when everything was down in the country, but, through the unwavering support of members they were able to succeed and made some achievements.

“Upon our assumption of leadership, we made great efforts to implement some of the promises we made during electioneering process.

“Looking back today in the area of unity of members, we fare very well and we thank you all for that.

“In the area of training, we did not default. In the area of welfare, you are all in a better position to assess us.

“Nevertheless, let me say that we held our National Conference six times despite challenges. With the sustained collaboration with the NJI, we had the training six times during the six years period.

“We may not have achieved everything we promised giving the prevailing circumstances on ground, we are happy that we did not let you down”, Mr Lawal said.

He however, appealed that the same cooperation, even greater, be extended to the new leadership, noting that it takes a good followership to have a good leadership.

He also prayed the Lord to be with you the new leadership and give them the necessary strength, wisdom, tolerance and knowledge to steer the ship of NAJUC to the Promised Land.

Also speaking, chairman of the NAJUC 2026 Election Committee, Elder Andrew Orolua, congratulated the new leadership and thanked them for their cooperation throughout the election process, as well as ensuring that their campaigns were sane and met the basic requirements.

“And to other contestants who made the contest worth its name, tomorrow is another day”, he advised.

Elder Orolua, however called on all members to take the issue of payment of dues very seriously, as the association cannot make any meaningful impact when a large number of members are defaulting in their obligations.

Members of the new exco are; Chairman, Olakunle Olubunmi Olasanmi; Vice Chairman, Emmanuella Ekele; General Secretary, Alexander Enumah; Assistant Secretary, Godfrey Eshiemoghe; Treasurer, Wandoo Sombo; Financial Secretary; Austin Okezie; Welfare Officer, Oluwafemi Kuku; and Provost, Garry Ochigbo.

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By Francesca Hangeior

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that citizens’ concerns over illegal immigration are legitimate but warned that violence, intimidation and vigilantism will not be tolerated during planned nationwide protests on June 30.

In his weekly newsletter released on Monday, Ramaphosa urged protesters to exercise their constitutional right peacefully and within the confines of the law, stressing that no grievance justifies unlawful conduct.

The president said South Africans had raised genuine concerns over undocumented immigration, border management, pressure on public services, and criminal syndicates exploiting the country’s immigration system.

While affirming that the right to protest is guaranteed under South Africa’s Constitution, he cautioned that such freedom does not permit threats, intimidation, vandalism or violence.

It partly reads, “South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit our immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities. These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard. 

“The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a credit to our robust democratic order that people are able to express their grievances openly. But the right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence. 

“South Africa is a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law. The exercise of rights by any citizen in a constitutional democracy cannot be determined by intimidation, threats or ultimatums. It must be determined through democratic institutions, evidence and the rule of law.”

Ramaphosa disclosed that his government had accepted the need for substantial reforms to the country’s immigration system, including strengthening border management, increasing enforcement against undocumented immigration, improving the integrity of asylum and visa systems, and tackling corruption that has weakened immigration controls.

“We also recognise that where our systems have failed, they must be corrected. Where corruption has enabled illegal immigration, those responsible must be held accountable. Where enforcement has been inadequate, it must improve,” it reads.

“Over the last few weeks, we have seen support for these measures and for government’s stance from across society. We have held meetings with the country’s traditional monarchs and other traditional and Khoi-San leaders, with trade union and business leaders, with the religious community and with other formations in society. 

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By Francesca Hangeior

Iran’s foreign ministry on Monday denied reports that Iranian and American technical teams will meet in the coming days to discuss the implementation of the deal to end the Middle East war.

Both sides have traded fire in the Gulf in recent days, testing their fragile ceasefire.

“No technical meetings of the working groups are planned for this week,” Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said, quoted by state TV, referring to the Iranian week ending on Friday.

Citing US officials, American news site Axios reported on Sunday that Tehran and Washington would hold a meeting in Qatar on Tuesday to resolve their dispute over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

CNN reported similar comments from a Trump administration official, though the White House has not issued an official statement.

Qatar, alongside Pakistan, has acted as a mediator in talks between Iran and the United States aimed at ending the war in the Middle East.

The most recent discussions between Tehran and Washington took place in Switzerland on June 21 with the attendance of delegations from all four countries.

Qatar — located across the Gulf from Iran — is playing a key role in the financial aspects of the negotiations.

Iran holds assets there that have been frozen due to US sanctions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Monday that the necessary steps to unfreeze these funds were “underway”.

“In accordance with established plans, $6 billion out of the total $12 billion held in Qatar will be released and returned to the country,” he said, quoted by the presidency.