Hold Leaders Accountable, Ex-Chief Judge Of Ondo Tells Journalists

A former chief judge of Ondo State, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu, has called on Nigerian journalists to be bold enough to report the truth and hold those in power accountable across the country.

Akeredolu who stated this at the Thanksgiving Service  to herald the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council 2023 Press Week held at the New Covenant Church, in Akure, charged them to always uphold the ethical values of the pen profession by making truth sacrosanct.

While charging journalists  not to be afraid of “powerful people” in the society, Akeredolu said the purported powerful people  can never be more powerful than God who created them.

 According to the former CJ,  “Journalists are the ones that bring light to any darkness via their reportage. Therefore, I advised you to be impartial and ensured that you hold the government and individuals accountable while performing your duties.

‘”You should ensure that your reports are truthful, accurate, and objective on any issues that relate to both individuals and the general public,” he said. 

Akeredolu identified accuracy, impartiality, humanity, and accountability as core values of the journalism profession.

The former chief judge also admonished journalists to shun corruption and brown envelopes while discharging their jobs.

In his sermon, the presiding pastor of the church, Rev. Rotimi Fagboyegun, urged members of the pen profession to continue to be the light of the world that would illuminate the society.