Federal High Court Cannot Practice Invidious Discrimination With Media Access To Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial — Access To Justice

Access to Justice has berated Federal High Court for restraining media from having access to Nnamdi Kanu’s trial.

The group noted that the practice is Invidious Discrimination.

This was made known on Monday, in a statement signed by the convener, Joseph Otteh and Project Director, Deji Ajare, denouncing what appears to be the selective accreditation of news media interested in covering the trial of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu.

Reports indicate that quite a number of media organizations were not accredited to cover the trial and there is no clarity about the criteria relied on to make the selections that were done.

“The Federal High Court must understand that its integrity and independence, as well as that of the entire Nigerian Judiciary, is at stake in this trial and both the national and international community will be closely watching the Nigerian Judiciary’s stature, strength, and performance with the trial.

“Shutting out some sections of the media particularly those widely regarded as critical of the present government is not a very good start, nor a bright reflection of an institution that ought to be politically neutral and free of bias.

It is the Judiciary and in this case, the Federal High Court that has responsibility for what happens within courts, and not the Department of State (DSS).

“Access to Justice urgently requests the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to immediately review the reported media accreditation list being used to shut out certain media from this case, and give free access to national and international media interested in reporting on the Nnamdi Kanu case.

“The right to a public trial, as well as the media’s right to disseminate information are all highly valued democratic/constitutional rights.

“If space availability presents a challenge to the court, it must use a credible and transparent process to manage that constraint, and ensure that media accreditation criteria that does not privilege any organization over others or represent a way to punish media outlets deemed hostile to government.

“The Federal High Court, a justice institution, must maintain against all odds and pressures.

“The image of a fair, politically independent and trustworthy institution and strongly resist the urge to politicize access to its courts, cases and services.

“It must not allow the DSS , a politically interested party in this case to dictate how access to courts, with respect to this case, should be configured,” A2Justice stated.