On Friday, November 29, 2024, legal luminaries and media experts convened in Lagos for the Gavel International Annual Conference, where the spotlight was placed on the judiciary's role as the last hope of the common man.
The keynote paper, delivered by Dele Adesina SAN, explored the topic: “The Judiciary as the Last Hope of the Common Man: Media and Legal Perspectives.”
The event, organized by Gavel International under the leadership of its founder, Kunle Ogunsakin, featured a distinguished line-up of speakers, including Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Attorney General of the Federation, and renowned legal experts such as Professor Hope Egbegba and Chief Anthony George Ikoli SAN.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State were also in attendance, further underlining the significance of the gathering.
The Judiciary: A Pillar of Democracy
In his address, Adesina emphasized the judiciary’s critical role in upholding the rule of law, safeguarding citizens' rights, and maintaining societal order.
He described the judiciary as an institution of last resort for justice, irrespective of one’s social or economic status.
“The judiciary is not just the last hope of the common man; it is the last hope of the powerful and the powerless, the government and the governed,” he said.
Adesina cited landmark cases, including Gen. Sani Abacha & Ors v. Chief Gani Fawehinmi, where the judiciary upheld justice against state oppression, and the recent Supreme Court ruling on Nigeria’s controversial Naira redesign policy, which protected citizens from undue hardship.
However, Adesina warned against the growing trend of public and media attacks on the judiciary, describing such actions as detrimental to public trust and the administration of justice.
“Constructive criticism is essential, but outright condemnation erodes confidence in the system,” he noted.
Media Responsibility in Judicial Matters
Adesina also addressed the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of the judiciary.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, he cautioned against media trials and sensationalism that could undermine judicial integrity.
“Media commentary should not prejudice fair trials or erode public confidence in judicial outcomes,” he advised, urging journalists to prioritize accurate reporting and informed analysis.
He highlighted the need for balanced and constructive discourse to foster a better understanding of judicial processes.
Legal Practitioners and Ethical Standards
Turning his attention to legal practitioners, Adesina lamented the erosion of ethical standards within the profession.
He expressed concern over practices that delay justice and diminish public confidence in the legal system.
“If our predecessors practised law the way some of us do today, we would not have inherited a legacy of integrity,” he said, calling for stricter enforcement of professional conduct codes and accountability among legal practitioners.
Charting a Path Forward
Adesina concluded by urging all stakeholders—judges, lawyers, and media professionals—to engage in self-examination and collective efforts to uphold the principles of justice.
“We must commit to genuine self-appraisal and pursue reforms that strengthen our judiciary,” he asserted.
The Gavel International Annual Conference once again provided a platform for critical dialogue on the administration of justice in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the judiciary, media, and legal community to sustain the country’s democratic framework.
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