Olateju Cautions Police, Prominent Figures Against Using Ex-Parte Orders to Intimidate Journalists
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Olateju Cautions Police, Prominent Figures Against Using Ex-Parte Orders to Intimidate Journalists
By Kaosara Olayemi Oladimeji
The former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Ilorin Chapter, Taofeek Olateju Esq, has cautioned the police and prominent personalities against using ex-parte orders to intimidate and harass journalists.
Olateju delivered this message on Wednesday during a one-day Capacity Building Training for the Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners, ASKOMP, held at Crystal House, Ilorin.
Speaking on the topic “Strategic Laws Against Public Participation (SLAPP),” Olateju emphasized that individuals aggrieved by slanderous or libelous publications should seek legal recourse through the appropriate courts, rather than petitioning the police or security agencies to silence individuals.
“If someone feels aggrieved by a slanderous or libelous publication, they should approach a civil court or high court with the jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter instead of petitioning the police or security agencies to silence the person,” Olateju stated.
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He further reiterated that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39(1), asserting that no other law should criminalize this freedom. “Any law inconsistent with this provision would be null and void,” Olateju said.
“There is no need for additional laws to criminalize freedom of expression. Defamation, injurious falsehood, and criminal defamation are clearly defined in our constitution. Journalists doing their work legitimately should be protected.”
In his lecture, Dr. Abdulrasheed Saadudeen, a lecturer at the University of Ilorin, implored journalists to uphold the ethics of their profession during news gathering and reporting.
He noted the critical role of journalists in generating informative and educative content and emphasized their importance as agenda-setters and opinion molders.
“Journalists play a crucial role in keeping people informed about happenings in their respective environments or societies. They also serve as agenda-setters and opinion molders. To do this job effectively, you are expected to have a strong command of the English language and cultivate the habit of building relationships and networking with sources,” Dr. Saadudeen stated.
Princess Adetoun Ejire, the Police Public Relations Officer in the Kwara Command, commended ASKOMP for organizing the timely capacity-building training for its members.
Ejire assured that the police would continue to maintain good relationships with journalists and other members of society.
“I commend every member of this association for your service to Kwara State in ensuring fair reportage of news. Your efforts are well appreciated, and we must continue to be partners in progress for a peaceful state. The leadership of this association has done well in organizing this training. The importance of learning and relearning cannot be overemphasized,” Ejire noted.
ASKOMP Chairman, Salihu Shola Taofeek, expressed gratitude to stakeholders in Kwara for making the work of online journalists easier through strategic partnerships and support.
“This training underscores our desire to continue to improve and sharpen our skills as demanded by the online media business. We know it is important to improve our skills to meet the standards of the ever-growing new media. We appreciate the support of every stakeholder in Kwara State and believe that the symbiotic relationship between us will continue,” Taofeek added.
Meanwhile, the Chairman announced Taofiq Olateju Esq as the official Legal Adviser of the association.
