BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
CLEEN Foundation has intensified its push to strengthen ethical reporting and curb the politicisation of judicial processes, stressing that the media remains the most strategic partner in promoting speedy and accountable justice delivery across the country.
This, according to the foundation’s Director of Programmes, Saluddeen Hashim, is crucial for promoting transparency and public confidence in the legal system.
Speaking during a three-day training on Human Rights Protection and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), Hashim said the initiative is designed to help media practitioners understand and apply reporting standards effectively, particularly in cases with high public interest.
He highlighted that weak compliance with the ACJL in several States continues to undermine the spirit of the law, affecting the timely delivery of justice and creating gaps in citizens’ access to legal remedies.
Hashim warned that the growing politicisation of judicial processes poses serious threats to the independence and integrity of the judiciary. He noted that media trials in strategic or high-profile cases further compound the problem, exposing judicial officers to undue public pressure.
According to Hashim, this pressure often leads to consequences for judicial officers and weakens public confidence in the outcomes of critical cases. He stressed that addressing these challenges requires a stronger partnership between the media and justice-sector institutions.
The foundation unveiled a new toolkit during the training, which Hashim said aims to provide journalists with practical guidance on ethical reporting, monitoring, and engagement with justice-sector proceedings.
Hashim underscored that access to justice remains a fundamental human right, and that journalists must understand their role in safeguarding it through responsible reporting.
He added that journalism should be seen as a calling, not merely a profession, especially when dealing with investigative and justice-focused reporting.Hashim said CLEEN Foundation expects the initiative to result in increased awareness among journalists and improved efficiency in justice delivery by State actors.
Hashim said CLEEN Foundation expects the initiative to result in increased awareness among journalists and improved efficiency in justice delivery by State actors.
He concluded that the media, when properly equipped and ethically guided, remains the most strategic partner in promoting transparency, citizen rights, and institutional reforms across the justice sector.
Hajia Daharatu Aliyu, Secretary of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Zone A, commended the initiative, saying it will empower journalists, particularly women, to hold the justice system accountable while maintaining professional ethics.
She emphasized that female journalists play a critical role in reporting on human rights and justice issues, often bringing unique perspectives that strengthen public understanding.
Aliyu urged media practitioners to embrace the toolkit and the training as opportunities to enhance the quality of their reporting, stressing that ethical journalism is central to sustaining democracy and ensuring justice delivery in the country.
