Supreme Court Justice nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe is in favor of the declaration of assets by Supreme Court judges.

According to him, this category of persons does not have a special dispensation regarding this provision of the law and must be subjected to same.

He said this during his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16.

Addressing the panel, Justice Dzamefe explained that he has filed for his asset declaration.

• Read also: Justice Dzamefe opposes gagging investigative journalism in defence of judiciary

“Mr. Chairman, as the honourable has said, if that is the law that all government appointees should declare their assets, and judges are government appointees, they should declare their assets. Why not?"

The judge was responding to questions posed by Deputy Minority Chief Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib.

He also confirmed that he has filed for his asset declaration.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court nominee opposed any move to suppress investigative journalism, even when such reporting might portray the Judiciary in a negative light.

Asked whether he would recommend restrictions on investigative journalism to safeguard the Judiciary’s image, Justice Dzamefe rejected the suggestion.

“Generally, I wouldn’t recommend repression,” he said. “Any investigative journalist who wants to do a thorough job. Once it’s true, why would I recommend suppression? Once it’s fair, fine.”

While championing media freedom, he also urged journalists to prioritise accuracy and avoid basing their reports on assumptions or misconceptions.