Dr. Nelson Omenugha, the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programme, has called for legal reforms to safeguard individuals against the prejudicial effects of online media trials. Speaking at the 17th annual memorial lecture in honor of Pope St John Paul II at the Pope John Paul II Major Seminary in Okpuno, Omenugha emphasized the need for ethical guidelines to govern online media reporting and prevent the erosion of the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.
In his paper titled “Guilty as Charged: Implications of Online Media Trials on Justice Delivery to the Human Person in Nigeria,” Dr. Omenugha highlighted the detrimental impact of online media platforms, where individuals face trial and conviction in the court of public opinion before formal legal proceedings. He stressed the importance of striking a balance between freedom of expression and protecting individuals’ rights and dignity in the digital era.
Advocating for a strengthened judiciary, Omenugha urged the government to prioritize justice delivery in Nigeria and empower the legal system to address the challenges posed by online media trials effectively. He also called upon philosophers and thought leaders to engage in the process of rebuilding society by endorsing a communique in support of these reforms.
The theme of the 17th annual memorial lecture, “Law, Society, and The Human Person,” underscored the importance of legal frameworks in shaping societal values and protecting individual rights. Dr. Omenugha’s recommendations signal a proactive approach to addressing the evolving challenges posed by online media in the pursuit of justice and human dignity.
