The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called on the media to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the judiciary serves as the last hope of the common man.
Speaking at the Gavel International Annual Lecture 2024 in Lagos, Fagbemi emphasized the critical responsibility of journalists in holding the judiciary and government accountable while fostering national unity and stability.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme, “The Judiciary as the Last Hope of the Common Man,” the AGF, represented by Prof. Olukayode Olatoke, underscored the judiciary's role as a pillar of democracy.
“The strength of our judiciary reflects our commitment to justice and equality,” he said.
“Together, with the judiciary, the executive, the media, and the citizens, we can build a Nigeria where every individual, regardless of status or station, can find justice, hope, and dignity,” the AGF added.
Fagbemi highlighted his ministry's strides in judicial reform, prioritizing enhanced efficiency, independence, and accessibility for all Nigerians.
“Access to justice should not be a privilege but a right,” he stated.
Media's Role in Justice and National Stability
The AGF acknowledged the media’s dual role as a tool for informing and educating the public while cautioning against the dangers of sensationalism and misinformation.
“When misused, the media can harm our nation’s cohesion, stability, and progress,” he said, urging journalists to amplify the voices of the oppressed and educate citizens on their rights.
The Publisher of Gavel International, Mustapha Ogunsakin, echoed similar sentiments, recounting the 2020 burning of the Igbosere courts during the EndSARS protests as a symbol of public mistrust in the judiciary.
“Some Nigerians see the courts as instruments of oppression rather than places of justice,” Ogunsakin lamented.
He expressed confidence in the ability of both the media and judiciary to restore public hope, advocating for increased transparency and media access to court proceedings.
“A country without justice descends into chaos and anarchy,” he said.
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