In a recent statement titled “As journalism marches on in the service of Nigeria,” President Bola Tinubu emphasized the crucial role of the media in holding the government accountable to the citizenry. He commended the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on its recent Biennial Convention, describing it as a milestone in the evolution of the journalism profession in the country.
President Tinubu hailed the peaceful elections held by the NGE as a clear signal that elections in Nigeria can be conducted without bitterness and unnecessary rancor. He urged the media to step up its constitutional responsibility of ensuring the government remains accountable to the people. The president also expressed his willingness to collaborate with the press in realizing the country’s developmental goals.
Tinubu extended his congratulations to the newly elected President of the NGE, Mr. Eze Anaba, who serves as the Editor of the Vanguard newspaper. He wished Anaba and the other elected officials of the guild a fulfilling and productive tenure in office.
The statement further highlighted the significance of the NGE’s peaceful elections, stating that it sends a resounding message to the Nigerian polity that competitions for desired offices can be intense without descending into bitterness, acrimony, and needless malice. President Tinubu commended those who accepted the election outcomes, including Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, and pledged support for the winners.
Emphasizing the importance of internal democracy within the newspaper industry, Tinubu called upon various unions such as the NGE, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) to uphold professional integrity and promote good governance, stability, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
President Tinubu acknowledged the NGE’s role as a worthy exemplar for the Nigerian media and stressed that elections within journalism unions should not be held merely for the sake of appointing new officers. Rather, the objective should be to position the profession to fulfill its constitutional obligation as a watchdog of the people, checking government excesses, and promoting the greatest good for the majority.
The president reflected on the historical significance of the press in Nigeria, particularly during the struggle against military dictatorship and the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola. He noted that the media’s contributions have been invaluable throughout Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999.
President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges faced by the media in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, asserting that they are greater than those encountered in the past. He pledged his administration’s support and collaboration with the media to achieve these lofty objectives in the best interest of the country.
