EDITORIAL: My Lord, Do Your Work and Allow Anambra Journalists to Do Theirs: Respect Is Reciprocal

There is a thin line between judicial authority and judicial arrogance. When crossed, the courtroom, which should be a temple of justice, risks becoming a theatre of humiliation.

The reported treatment of a journalist by a judge in Anambra State, who allegedly subjected him to a public dressing-down despite his proper identification to court officials, raises troubling questions about judicial temperament, press freedom and the limits of authority.

As if public humiliation were not enough, the judge reportedly invited the police to whisk the journalist away and detain him for at least four days. It took the intervention of lawyers present to save the journalist from this disturbing turn of events.

With due respect, My Lord, a courtroom is not a private estate, and judicial robes do not confer a licence for incivility.

Judges must exercise their considerable authority with restraint, fairness and dignity. The law empowers them to maintain order, not to turn individuals into objects of public ridicule.

If the journalist properly identified himself, what justification was there for such humiliation? Any breach of courtroom protocol should be addressed proportionately, not through personal indignation.

My Lord, journalists are not enemies of the judiciary. They are indispensable partners in justice administration. Through responsible reporting, they inform citizens, expose miscarriages of justice and strengthen public confidence.

In several jurisdictions, designated press galleries facilitate court coverage and promote transparency. Anambra should encourage cooperation between the judiciary and the media, not hostility and intimidation.

Press freedom does not exempt journalists from courtroom rules. They must obey lawful directions and respect judicial authority. But respect is reciprocal. No law requires a judge to be disrespectful, and judicial authority is no licence for public humiliation.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) must take credible allegations of judicial misconduct seriously and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.

Out of respect for the judiciary, we have refrained from naming this judge. This restraint must not be mistaken for weakness. Should such conduct recur, we will have no hesitation in identifying the judge publicly and bringing the matter to the attention of the appropriate authorities and the Nigerian public.

The judicial robe must never become a shield for arrogance.

My Lord, please do your judiciary work and allow Anambra journalists to do theirs. Both institutions serve the public. Neither should intimidate the other.
Enough is enough!