The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called for restraint and tolerance among Nigerians, stressing that the country remains stronger together.
It stated this yesterday in a communiqué of the second quarterly meeting of its Standing Committee held last Friday in Lagos.
The statement signed by NGE President FunkeEgbemode and General Secretary Victoria Ibanga condemned “the hate speeches from different sections of the country” and urged Nigerians to ignore those agitating for the country’s dismemberment.
It said: “The Guild notes that those sowing seeds of discord should realise that they are not just destroying the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers but the progress we have made over the years as a nation; their actions have the capacity to alter the destiny of Nigeria negatively.
“The Guild reminds the hate agents that as major stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, editors and journalists fought for the enthronement of the current democratic dispensation, with some paying the supreme price, to birth a constitutional government.”
The NGE lamented that elders from different parts of the country “kept quiet for too long, which allowed the youths to take over the socio-political space and brought the nation to the present situation.”
It urged them to show more interest in national affairs.
“The Guild also urges Nigerians to ignore those agitating for the dismemberment of the country and to go about their businesses without fear or let, and focus more on repositioning the country for present and future generations.
“The Guild appreciates the firm and decisive intervention of the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, which has calmed the situation and urges the government to do more.”
The NGE noted that despite the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris’ order for the arrest of those making hate speeches, “no commensurate action has been taken”.
It urged the Police to be more responsive and pragmatic.
However, the Guild hailed the Police for the arrest of the kidnap kingpin, ChukwudiDumemeOnuamadike and other kidnappers “and urges that they should do more to ensure the release of the abducted pupils of Igbonla Model College, Epe in Lagos State, who have been missing for more than three weeks now”.
The Guild condemned the “overzealousness of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other security agencies against the media. At all times, duties come with deep responsibilities that must be upheld”.
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