…as NUJ, CSOs, others throng court for Pilot
The case initiated by the Kwara State Government against a home media, National Pilot Newspaper and its reporter, Ahmed Ajikobi, was today stalled following the absence of the presiding Jurist, Magistrate Shade Lawal at the Court.
According to the information gathered by this medium, the Magistrate could not attend the court for the daily business because she was bereaved and indisposed.
After proper deliberations, counsels representing the two parties, picked a new date and the matter was adjourned to February 12, 2024.
At the last proceedings, the prosecution team, headed by Barrister S.O Ibrahim moved an application, praying the court to transfer the matter to the police for investigation.
The Magistrate rejected the request on the grounds that the matter is already before it, saying police may likely go overboard with time and she won’t be able to address it.
Meanwhile, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Kwara State chapter, Civil Society Organizations and interested members of the public on Monday thronged the court premises in solidarity for their colleagues.
The chairman of the NUJ, Ahmed ‘Lanre Abdulateef, while speaking with Pilot Law, said members of the union were in court in solidarity with the National Pilot.
“An injury to one is an injury to all, we’re here in solidarity with National Pilot medium and the reporter who was joined in the suit. We want to ensre that the media in the state is enjoying the protection of NUJ, media will continue to play the role of informing and enlightening members of the public.
“The role of media can never be overemphasized, section (92), 1999 constitution as amended says, ‘Media otherwise known as Press shall be free at all times’, if the media is not playing its roles, the society will be in chaos, there will be uncertainty, hullabalu everywhere. National Pilot is playing it role.
“I want to say, a matter of this nature shouldn’t be taking to this level, there are better ways of settling this matter instead, the case in question is on alleged defamation, even at that, we can still talk it out, to Jaw is better than War War. It’s difficult to go to court and come back smiling or be friendly.” NUJ chairman emphasised.
It will be recallaed that the allegations against national Pilot Newspaper were based on the paper’s front page report of Sunday, 15 May, 2023, titled “Kwara Gov, Siblings Battle Over New Cabinet List, Other Appointments * Abdul Razaq keeps people guessing over cabinet dissolution.
Also, the paper published an online report on the 16th October, 2023 with the headline “Exclusive: Public Officials Cry Foul As Kwara Govt Allegedly Returns Multi-million Naira Defective Vehicles Purchased for Top Functionaries to Motor Dealer.
The state Commissioner for Communication, Bola Olukoju who reacted on behalf of the government was quoted extensively in the story.
