The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has given the media a pass mark for its reportage of pending cases in court.
Mohammed said the reports are no longer seen as “satanic” or “demonic” invasion.
The CJN made this remark when he declared open a two-day workshop, with the theme: “Promoting understanding between the Judiciary and the Press.”
The workshop was organised by the National Judicial Institute for members of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondent, Abuja chapter.
Mohammed said the relationship between the judiciary and the media was now cordial unlike it was in the past.
He said: “The role the press has played and is still playing in enthroning integrity, probity and transparency in the judiciary can neither be underestimated nor over emphasized.
“Gone are the days of acrimonious relationship between the Judiciary and the Press.
“The relationship between the Judiciary and the Press was not clearly delineated.
“What judiciary had on the ground were only restrictive prescriptions for giving out information from the Judiciary or the Courts.
“The fact that the Judiciary and the Press have not fashioned out a mode of interaction or co-operation have given impetus to the new efforts and the new thinking towards the media in their reportage of judicial proceedings.
“Most judges and justices now courts the Press for self-projection, etc.
“Media reportage of pending cases in Courts are no longer seen as satanic invasion or demonic intrusion.
“They are now welcome.”
The Administrator of the NJI, organisers of the workshop, Justice Roseline Bozimo, said the workshop was put together to assist judicial reporters discharge their duties with accuracy.
Bozimo said: “Any deficiency on the part of the participants, which occasions inaccurate reporting or improper understanding of the judicial procedings, will damage the reputation and integrity of the judiciary.
“Therefore, they should be courted as friends and not despised as enemies.
“They deserve collaboration with the judiciary, not absolute disconnection.
“The judiciary should forge a healthy co-operation with the participants.
“Unnecessary acrimony and friction will be very unhealthy for the integrity of the judiciary and its officers and staff.
“Any negative activity of the participants against the judiciary will create grave consequences.”