NJI boss stressed need for training of judiciary correspondents

THE Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI),
Justice Rosaline Bozimo (rtd), has explained the rationale behind
the training of reporters covering the country’s judiciary by the
institute.

Bozimo, who was recently reappointed by the Chief Justice of
Nigeria (CJN), and Chairman Governing Board of the NJI, Justice
Walter Onnoghen, for a second tenure of office, re-emphasised the
need for an interface between the judiciary and reporters.

The judiciary is a distinct arm of government, hence the need to
train reporters covering the various courts on the functions and
activities of judicial officers without mis-informing the public or
misrepresenting facts.

Addressing the executive members of National Association of
Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja chapter, when they paid her
a courtesy call, Bozimo stressed the importance of objective,
factual and balanced reportage of court proceedings.

“Shortly when I assumed office as Administrator, I discussed the
issue of training judiciary reporters with the former CJN, Justice
Mahmud Mohammed (rtd), and he bought the idea of training
journalists covering the beat.

“The essence was to interface and interact with reporters, and
expose them to the workings of the judiciary in order for them to
report us objectively, without bias.”

However, Bozimo dismissed by wave of the hand, a report, she
said was aimed at tarnishing the image of NJI. The story, she said
stated that CJN has transferred the Institute’s secretary, and the
Director, Finance and Accounts over alleged fraud.

“If there is any issue, come and check your facts with us before
going to the press. You don’t gain anything in defaming anybody. My
first term terminates 31 July; the report said I have travelled
abroad, but here I am with you people.

“The issue here is that a few, if actually they existed, wanted
funds to be shared and frittered away, but I said no,” the NJI
administrator revealed.

“NJI is not a political party where money is shared. They are
talking about welfare, but if they are hating me because I have
refused to share funds belonging to NJI, let them go ahead and do
so,” Bozimo said.

Also commenting, the Secretary of the Institute, Abubakar
Mandama described Bozimo as an astute administrator, who has
contributed immensely in developing the institute in terms of
manpower and physical infrastructure.

“I had the rare opportunity of being in a meeting when Justice
Bozimo was reappointed. I was privileged on July 18, when the Board
was in dilemma to choose who will succeed Justice Bozimo.

“But considering her sterling qualities, and her achievement,
the Board persuaded her to stay, which she reluctantly accepted,”
the NJI Secretary stated.

THE Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI),
Justice Rosaline Bozimo (rtd), has explained the rationale behind
the training of reporters covering the country’s judiciary by the
institute.

Bozimo, who was recently reappointed by the Chief Justice of
Nigeria (CJN), and Chairman Governing Board of the NJI, Justice
Walter Onnoghen, for a second tenure of office, re-emphasised the
need for an interface between the judiciary and reporters.

The judiciary is a distinct arm of government, hence the need to
train reporters covering the various courts on the functions and
activities of judicial officers without mis-informing the public or
misrepresenting facts.

Addressing the executive members of National Association of
Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja chapter, when they paid her
a courtesy call, Bozimo stressed the importance of objective,
factual and balanced reportage of court proceedings.

“Shortly when I assumed office as Administrator, I discussed the
issue of training judiciary reporters with the former CJN, Justice
Mahmud Mohammed (rtd), and he bought the idea of training
journalists covering the beat.

“The essence was to interface and interact with reporters, and
expose them to the workings of the judiciary in order for them to
report us objectively, without bias.”

However, Bozimo dismissed by wave of the hand, a report, she
said was aimed at tarnishing the image of NJI. The story, she said
stated that CJN has transferred the Institute’s secretary, and the
Director, Finance and Accounts over alleged fraud.

“If there is any issue, come and check your facts with us before
going to the press. You don’t gain anything in defaming anybody. My
first term terminates 31 July; the report said I have travelled
abroad, but here I am with you people.

“The issue here is that a few, if actually they existed, wanted
funds to be shared and frittered away, but I said no,” the NJI
administrator revealed.

“NJI is not a political party where money is shared. They are
talking about welfare, but if they are hating me because I have
refused to share funds belonging to NJI, let them go ahead and do
so,” Bozimo said.

Also commenting, the Secretary of the Institute, Abubakar
Mandama described Bozimo as an astute administrator, who has
contributed immensely in developing the institute in terms of
manpower and physical infrastructure.

“I had the rare opportunity of being in a meeting when Justice
Bozimo was reappointed. I was privileged on July 18, when the Board
was in dilemma to choose who will succeed Justice Bozimo.

“But considering her sterling qualities, and her achievement,
the Board persuaded her to stay, which she reluctantly accepted,”
the NJI Secretary stated.