The chief judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, has urged journalists in the state to protect people’s right to human dignity in their reportage.

Ms Fabian-Obot made the call in Uyo on Tuesday when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom Council, visited her.

She said that the media remained a powerful tool for society’s development, saying, “Let us use our reportage to promote people’s right to human dignity.

“The pen is powerful; it can make and break. In using the power of the media, the dignity of people must never be compromised.” 

The chief judge said that as the image and conscience of society, the media should uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

“We should do this by always verifying our facts, hearing all sides to a story, and exercising patience when challenges arise in the process of reaching out to parties,” she said.

Ms Fabian-Obot further said that defamatory reports could erode confidence, damage reputations, and undermine public trust.

She said, “I encourage you to remain true to the teaching and etiquette of your profession; professionalism is the hallmark of an excellent practitioner.”

Earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Nsibiet John, commended the chief judge for implementing ‘highly impactful and reform-driven’ decisions since her assumption of office.

Mr John said that the chief judge had performed creditably in the areas of infrastructure, speedy dispensation of justice, rights protection and enhanced welfare for workers.

He also appealed to the chief judge to consider facilitating capacity-building programmes for journalists covering judiciary and crime beats.

(NAN)