Justice Joe Acha of Benin High Court has admonished journalists and lawyers to be responsible and professional in the discharge of their duties.
Acha spoke against the backdrop of media publications on his February 17 ruling on a divorce suit, involving Chief Leemon Ikpea and his wife, Agnes, who are both petitioner and respondent.
He alleged that his ruling on two motions filed in the matter were “skewed” in media publications that cast him in negative light.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Acha said the respondent had petitioned the state Chief Judge to reassign the suit.
He said that he still stood by his ruling, which was to protect the lives of all the parties involved.
He said: “When you embark on a campaign of calumny, you are not doing the institution any good.
“When you decide to malign people because of a matter that is not in your favour, I think you are only destroying the institution.
“The journalists, I think owe it a duty to be objective in their reportage, they must be objective and do proper investigation.
“A situation whereby they are doing the bidding of their paymaster will impinge on the integrity of their profession.
“It is correct that this matter was fixed for hearing today and today, two motions were filed on behalf of the respondent and the last was given to me this morning.
“More importantly, after the last sitting of this court, a petition was written on behalf of the respondent to the Chief Judge, seeking reassignment of this case to another court.
“The petition was referred to me for my reaction, I responded and I am awaiting the directive of the Chief Judge on the next step.
“I wish to state that the practice of journalism, like most other professions, is noble, no matter who the sponsor is or the sponsors are.
“No matter how much the journalist is paid, he owes a duty to society, God and his conscience for responsible reportage, by ensuring that he publishes accurately and authentically.
“I want to repeat that in my ruling of February 17, the need to protect and safeguard the lives of the parties remains my primary concern more than anything else,” Acha said.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman, Edo Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Rolland Osakue, told the judge that the alleged report did not emanate from journalists in the state.
Counsel for the respondent, Orji Ukah, said it was not in his character to discuss court issues with journalists, adding that the said report did not emanate from him.
Also, the Counsel for the petitioner, George Igbokwe, called for sustenance of the integrity of the journalism profession.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Acha had in a previous ruling restrained the respondent and her proxies from interfering with the petitioner’s agents and business.
Acha also directed the respondent to vacate the Banana House residence, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
He further directed that the respondent could alternatively move into the petitioner’s GRA Benin residence temporarily until the suit was determined.
He made reference to an application by the respondent urging the court to transfer the petition for dissolution of marriage to Lagos state judiciary for determination.
He said that having considered arguments for and against the application, he found no merit in it but ordered the petitioner to deposit a N5 million bank guarantee with the court.
This, according to him, will cater for the respondent’s out of pocket expenses throughout the duration of the suit.
The judge later ordered an accelarated hearing of the suit and adjourned to April 22
nan.
