By DELE ALABI, Lagos
The Judiciary Editors Forum (JEF) has congratulated the President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, on her election, urging her to prioritise unity within the legal profession, strengthen collaboration between the Bar and the Bench, and carry judiciary correspondents along in the implementation of her administration's programmes.
In a congratulatory message jointly signed by its Chairman, Sam Popoola, and Secretary, Sandra Umeh, the Forum described Badejo-Okusanya's emergence as a reflection of the confidence reposed in her leadership, competence and vision by members of the legal profession across the country.
JEF expressed confidence that her tenure would usher in a new era of purposeful leadership, stronger advocacy and renewed commitment to the ideals of justice, the rule of law and professional excellence.
The Forum noted that the incoming NBA President would assume office at a critical period in the nation's legal history and urged her to leverage her wealth of experience to unite members of the Bar, heal existing divisions and build a more inclusive association where every lawyer feels a sense of belonging, irrespective of region, ideology or area of practice.
It also called on the President-elect to sustain and strengthen the cordial relationship between the Bar and the Bench, stressing that constructive engagement and mutual respect between both institutions remain essential to enhancing public confidence in the administration of justice.
While extending its message to the judiciary, JEF urged judicial officers to continue upholding the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, diligence and timely delivery of justice, noting that Nigerians' confidence in the judiciary is fundamental to the country's democratic stability.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at improving the justice sector, describing the media as a critical stakeholder that serves as the bridge between the judiciary, the legal profession and the public.
JEF appealed to the incoming NBA leadership to actively involve judiciary editors and court reporters in the execution of programmes relating to judicial reforms, legal education, public enlightenment, access to justice and institutional transparency.
According to the Forum, closer collaboration with legal correspondents and editors would ensure accurate, balanced and timely reportage of developments within the justice sector, thereby promoting accountability, strengthening public trust and enriching informed public discourse on legal and judicial issues.
It wished Badejo-Okusanya wisdom, sound health, courage and a successful tenure, assuring her of the goodwill and cooperation of the Judiciary Editors Forum in promoting a transparent, efficient and credible justice system in Nigeria.
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