Guild of Editors pledges to defend Nigeria’s democracy

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has promised to remain courageous and sustain defence for the nation’s democracy.

It made the promise after its town hall meeting/capacity building conference in the six geo-political zones.

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The Guild resolved not to buckle under any circumstances in its historic duty in defending and promoting the cause of democracy and press freedom in Nigeria.

In a statement jointly signed by its President and General Secretary, Mustapha Isah and Iyobosa Uwugiaren respectively, the NGE said its members were now more equipped and energized by the training to discharge their constitutional role of holding the government accountable to people.

The Guild commended the US Embassy in Nigeria for sponsoring the regional training workshop for 350 editors across the six geopolitical zones.

It urged the embassy to also support step-down training for line editors and reporters.

“Editors have resolved to assist in ensuring that frivolous and unserious candidates, as well as those who have not demonstrated any capacity for leadership, are weeded out from the race.

“That ahead of the 2023 general election, editors should engage more with other stakeholders like civil society groups, the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and others in deepening the democratic process.

“The editors should also ensure that the parties and their candidates are properly guided along issue-based campaigns and discourage campaigns anchored on exploring the ethnic, religious and regional divide that tend to put the country asunder”, the statement read.