The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged politicians to shun hate speech, unguarded utterances, name calling, and other anti-social behaviours while using the media to canvass for public support.
This was one of the resolutions at the end of the 10th All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) held in Kastina State.
In attendance at the conference were Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, Chairman of Jaiz Bank, Alhaji Umaru Mutallab who delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony and the National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Malam Muhammed Garba.
In the communiqué issued at the end of the conference and jointly signed by the President and General Secretary, Mr. Femi Adesina and Isaac Ighure respectively, the Guild noted that the Editors have a great role to play in promoting national discourse towards strengthening national unity, peace, harmony as well as political, social, economic growth and prosperity.
It therefore implored Nigerian editors to continue to promote the nation’s fledgling democracy and help in enthroning good governance through promoting free and fair elections, which are key to the promotion and sustenance of democratic culture in the society through vigorous dissemination of information to the citizens.
The NGE noted that the high level of insecurity, insurgency and kidnappings across the country, which create atmosphere of fear and apprehension, cannot guarantee free, fair and credible elections in 2015. The body therefore argued that to strengthen the nation’s democracy and instill good governance, the current state of insecurity must be addressed with a view to creating conducive environment for development while the Independent National Electoral Commission should be adequately funded, to enable the commission conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2015 and beyond.
It also stated that to ensure sustenance of good governance, the media must set a generally acceptable performance index to gauge the performance of governments at all levels, in the provision of basic amenities and infrastructure to the citizens.
The Guild urged members of the profession to adhere to the code of journalism ethics in the discharge of their responsibilities, while advocating for a code of conduct for the media in covering the 2015 general elections.
The editors commended the government and people of Katsina State for their warmth and hospitality, and for their contributions to the overall successful hosting of the conference. The Guardian
