The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch, Mr. Joseph Mtemdoo Gbagyo, has reiterated the association’s dedication to strengthening its partnership with the Judiciary and Crime Correspondents (JCC), describing the media as an indispensable partner in the administration of justice.
Mr Gbagyo shared this commitment during a courtesy visit by JCC members to his office in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, where he was joined by the Branch Secretary, Mr Joseph Valentine Ogizi.
The NBA Chairman highlighted the media’s vital role in society, which he believes should never be underestimated. As a publisher of The Transmitter newspaper, Mr Gbagyo recognises the significant impact the press has on shaping public opinion and assured the journalists that the Makurdi Branch of the NBA is always open to fostering a constructive, meaningful, and progressive partnership, emphasising that true collaboration leads to effective teamwork.
With a background in media law, digital media marketing, and the rule of law, Mr. Gbagyo pointed out that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence has introduced new legal challenges concerning copyright, intellectual property, defamation, and professional responsibility. He encouraged journalists to stay aware of these legal issues in their work, warning that a lack of understanding of the changing legal landscape could lead to unintentional conflicts with the law.
Earlier in the visit, Mr Denen Achussah of The New Times newspaper and Chairman of the Judiciary and Crime Correspondents congratulated Mr Gbagyo on his recent election as Chairman of the NBA, Makurdi Branch, noting that it reflects the trust placed in him by his peers in the legal field. He expressed confidence that the new chairman’s wealth of experience, strong leadership skills, and dedication to justice would not only bolster the Makurdi Branch but also enhance professionalism, uphold the rule of law, and improve access to justice.
Mr Achussah pointed out that lawyers and journalists have a vital partnership in nurturing democracy, fostering accountability, and ensuring the public stays well informed about legal and judicial issues. He emphasised the need for a stronger alliance between the NBA and the Judiciary, as well as Crime Correspondents, through regular interactions, mutual respect, and open lines of communication, arguing that such collaboration would elevate the quality and fairness of legal reporting while deepening the public’s understanding of the justice system.
In addition, Mr Godwin Ede from The Voice and Veronica Inalegwu from Joy FM called for training programmes for judiciary correspondents. He urged greater involvement of journalists in NBA activities to foster better understanding between the two fields.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr Emmanuel Antswem, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benue State, encouraged the NBA to maintain its engagement with the media. He stressed that collaboration would lead to more accurate reporting of legal and judicial matters, ultimately boosting public trust in the justice system.
Also joining the discussion were Kenneth Tyohemba from Radio Nigeria, Onyeje Abutu from the News Agency of Nigeria, and Martha Otokwula from Benue Television.
