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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.