By Tony Adibe
A former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State, Chief Anthony Ani (SAN) has advised journalists in Nigeria to hold political leaders and the judiciary accountable in order to build a better Nigeria.
“Particularly now we’re moving towards the 2027 elections. The press has a very important role to play. You have to hold those in power to account. Some of us depend extensively on journalists to know what is happening in the society, particularly now we’re in the election period,” he said.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria spoke as the chairman of grand finale of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council Correspondents’ Chapel Press Week 2026 held on Thursday at the Press Centre, Enugu.
The 2026 Press Week was themed: “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism: 2027 Polls in Focus” with a sub-theme “The Role of the Media and Other Stakeholders in Sustaining the Fight Against Corruption.”
Emphasising that Nigeria could hardly be a better society without the media playing their roles diligently, Chief Ani reminded journalists that they are protected by the Constitution of Nigeria to do their duties. He insisted that the country would only be better if, and when the media decided to expose corruption and public officials behind it.
“I call upon you people to hold even my constituency – the judiciary – to account. So many things are happening in the Nigerian judiciary now. Journalists, you have to hold the politicians to account. You have to hold the judiciary to account. You’re the ones to hold the people in authority to account. I plead with you, gentlemen, hold these people to account; hold the people in authority to account. That’s the only way we will have a better society,” Ani said.
He expressed worry about the possibility of Nigeria degenerating into a one-party system of government, which is a kind of dictatorship.
“I hope we’re not going into a one-party system,” he said repeatedly, and implored the media to tackle any system that is not in the interest of the generality of the masses.
In a lecture themed: “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism: 2027 Polls in Focus”, the guest lecturer and Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi urged the media to always be mindful of the implications of their reportage when covering security matters.
“I urge everyone to be very, very proactive to protect our democracy. If this democracy dies, it’s the journalists that will be held responsible,” said Umahi, who was quick to add that the media should discharge their duties to be in tandem with the national unity and security of the country.
“You have to consider the security implications of your information before releasing it to the general public. Always be mindful of the atmosphere.”
Represented on the occasion by his Media Aide, Hon. Emma Uzor, Engr. Umahi recalled that the democracy Nigerians are enjoying today was made possible by the media; hence journalists have the duty to protect it.
He, however, urged the media to hold leaders to account, even though when they perform such a role, “journalists are regarded as having a bitter tongue and bad mouth.”
“Politicians see the press as having a bitter tongue. Journalists have bad mouth,” he restated.
According to him, the press should be seen as a strong and reliable contact between the leaders and the citizens, stressing that the press should avoid adding sentiment or emotions to their news reportage.
“You should be very conscious of what you are pushing into the society. You don’t have to take sides on an issue,” he said.
He lauded the Correspondents’ Chapel for deeming it fit and proper to invite members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition members, as both sides were well represented.
The Chief Guest of Honour, Governor Peter Mbah, assured of the continued support and partnership with the media to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the state. No society can afford to do it alone without the positive contributions of the media. That shows the relevance of the press in our society, according to the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Agbo, who represented Governor Mbah.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Enugu State Council, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, commended the Correspondents’ Chapel for having produced a former national president of NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, and also a national vice president, Zone C (South East) in the person of Comrade Ken Ofoma.
Ogbuka advised other chapels in the state to emulate the Correspondents’ Chapel.
The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Lawrence Njoku in a Welcome address, said the two themes covered in the 2026 Press Week “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism: 2027 Polls in Focus,” with the sub-theme, “The Role of the Media and Other Critical Stakeholders in Sustaining the Fight Against Corruption,”
were particularly relevant as “Nigeria approaches another general election, and the media’s responsibility to promote credible information, accountability and democratic values becomes increasingly important.”
Comrade Njoku said that as Correspondents representing national newspapers, magazines, radio and television networks, “we understand that journalism is more than reporting events.”
He described journalism as a public trust that demands accuracy, fairness, courage, balance and accountability. “Our responsibility is to inform citizens, hold power to account and provide a platform for diverse voices while upholding the ethics of our profession,” he said.
He noted that responsible journalism required continuous learning and constructive engagements with other stakeholders. “We have therefore assembled here political leaders, policymakers, professionals and other critical players in society, not merely to report their activities but also to listen, learn and draw insights that will guide us in the discharge of our duties,” he said.
He reminded journalists of their binding duties now as the country prepares for general elections in 2027. “It presents another moment that tests our credibility, conscience, courage and brevity as journalists. Let us be resilient, stay bold and united. Our commitment to truth must remain steadfast,” he said. “May we continue to tell stories that are impactful, enlighten and shape our country and the world at large for better,” he said.
He appreciated the Chief Guest of Honour, Governor Peter Mbah for his continued support to the union; Senator David Umahi for accepting to deliver the guest lecture, and the Keynote Speaker, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), whose work in combating corruption directly reflects our sub-theme.
He said that their contributions “will enrich our understanding of the shared responsibility of the media and other institutions in promoting accountability and good governance. Njoku also spoke on the recent death of a member of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Candice Amadi of The TIDE Newspapers, for whom a minute of silence was observed during the occasion.
