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  • NGE condemns killing of journalists in Gaza

    NGE condemns killing of journalists in Gaza

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed concern over the increasing cases of journalists being targeted and killed in Gaza, describing the attacks as war crimes and a violation of international law.

    This is contained in a statement co-signed by its President, Eze Anaba, General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

    The Guild strongly condemned the killing of five journalists – Husam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Dagga (Associated Press freelance), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moaz Abu Taha, allegedly by Israeli forces through artillery and missile strikes.

    “These heinous acts are a blatant breach of international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which provide for the protection of journalists covering wars.

    “Targeting and killing journalists in Gaza constitutes a war crime and an unacceptable attempt to impede the work of journalists and conceal the truth from war areas.

    “We demand an immediate cessation of the targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza and other parts of the world, as well as an end to the war in Gaza,” the Guild said.

    The Guild urged the global community to launch thorough investigations into the killings and hold perpetrators accountable.

    It also reaffirmed solidarity with journalists working in dangerous environments, praising their courage and dedication to telling the world’s stories despite grave risks.

    Turning attention to domestic issues, the NGE also condemned the recent arrest and harassment of Nigerian journalists, including Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, by the Nigeria Police Force over the coverage of a court case.

    “This is a clear attempt to silence journalists performing their lawful duties. We demand that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, halt the harassment and intimidation of journalists and respect their constitutional rights,” the Guild added.

    The Guild reiterated its call on government and security agencies to uphold constitutional provisions on press freedom and to allow journalists to carry out their duties without fear of reprisals.

  • NGE seeks repeal of conflicting laws related to media practice

    NGE seeks repeal of conflicting laws related to media practice

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has assured the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) of cooperation in their quest to seek for harmonisation of conflicting and overlapping media laws.

    Idris gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja when a delegation of NGE led by its General Secretary,  Mr Onuoha Ukeh, paid him a courtesy visit.

    During the visit, NGE presented a compilation of laws in the Criminal and Penal Code as well as Cybercrime Act that contradicts other laws in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    The report recommends the harmonisation of conflicting and overlapping laws that relate to media practice in the country.

    According to the Minister, both the government and media are for the good and benefit of the people.

    “I don’t think one should negate the other. What you are doing today is encouraging; instead of putting these on the pages of newspapers, you are here and bringing your inputs.

    “I will engage with the Attorney General of the Federation and other stakeholders.  Also, you could engage the National Assembly too.

    “I will work with the report, set up a committee and other stakeholders to work on this, so that we can do a good job.”

    He encouraged the Guild to always stand on the part of truth and condemn any wrong doings by any of its members.

    The Minister explained that the National Assembly is currently working on the National Broadcasting Commission Act and the Cybercrime Act, adding that a call for submissions had been made.

    “We are all in this together. We should also understand that we must have a country before having the Nigerian media, meaning, it is the country first.

    Speaking earlier, Ukeh said the Guild was at the Ministry to present its media law reports to the Minister.

    He said he did that because of the concern about some laws regarding media practice and press freedom in Nigeria.

    Ukeh stressed the need to review some of the laws, particularly the ones made during colonial and military era that are now outdated and contrary to the constitution.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of the NGE’s Media Law Committee, Mr Richard Akinnola said that a number of countries have gone beyond what Nigeria has today as media laws.

    “Take for example the issue of sedition law of Section 50 (1) and Section 51 (1 and 2) of the Criminal Code, they have been nullified by the Court of Appeal in 1982. We believe that the sections should be formally repeal from our books.

    “We have the Criminal Defamation Law which has been abused severally. It is contained in Section 373 of the Criminal Code.

    “We recommend that the criminal defamation law should be expunged from our law just like Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone did.

    “We also have some laws that are overlapping in our Penal and Criminal Code which should be harmonised. We believe that freedom of expression comes with responsibility. Every freedom has it own limitations, ” Akinnola said.

    He noted that section 24 of the  Cybercrime law has been abused over time, adding that the Cybercrime law is a good one, but that section ‘b’ of the law which talks about Cyber bullying is vague.

    “All these arrests of cyber bullying are illegal. Any person that feel aggrieved by a malicious publication should take recourse to section 59 of the Criminal Code.

    “We made a lot of recommendations in the reports which we believe will enhance media practice in the country.

    “We also have a plan to engage the Attorney General of the Federation and the National Assembly, ” Akinnola said.

    Tinubu never asked me to lie, arrest or harass journalists – Information Minister

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said President Bola Tinubu never asked him to lie, arrest or harass any journalist because of unconstructive criticism and reportage.

    Idris stated this while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) led by its General Secretary,  Mr Onuoha Ukeh, and Deputy President, Mr Sebastian Abu, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to him, in spite of negative criticism and alleged defamation of character by some journalists and members of the public, the President had never given him a marching order to arrest or harass anyone.

    “There are times when the media instigate tension, but Tinubu never urged me to alter the narrative, lie, arrest or harass the perpetrators.

    “This is because the President is a true democrat who respects the rule of law. Also, the Federal Government believes that it cannot operate without the media, which is the fourth estate of the realm.

    “We used to have some individuals who would want to go overboard, but I have always engaged the Nigeria Union of Journalists,  NGE, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria and others on issues that are brought to my attention.

    “I have always said that when we do good praise us, and when we are not doing well or going overboard, tell us constructively so that we can improve.”

    He said that the Tinubu administration is media friendly and will continue to be, and therefore the media should not use isolated incidents to conclude that the government wants to gag the press.

    The Minister noted that Tinubu’s commitment to press freedom led to the establishment of the Media Literacy Centre (MIL) at the National Open Unity in Abuja by UNESCO.

    According to Idris, the country has passed the hurdles and is now at the final ratification stage of Nigeria getting the host.

    “This is a great achievement, because when established, the MIL Centre will bring stakeholders from across the globe to Nigeria.

    “This will enhance media literacy in our country and checkmate the spread of fake new and issues of misinformation and disinformation in the country  and the world at large,” Idris said.

  • Nigerian Guild of Editors re-elects Anaba as President

    Nigerian Guild of Editors re-elects Anaba as President

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has re-elected Eze Anaba as its new president to pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.

    Anaba was re-elected during the NGE’s 2025 Biennial National Convention, held in Enugu on Friday.

    The guild also elected Sabastine Abu as Deputy President while Alabi Kabir, Sheddy Ozonne and Hamza Idris, were elected unopposed as Vice-President West, East and North respectively.

    Others elected included  Onuoha Ukeh as Secretary, Gabriel Akinadewo, Assistant Secretary; Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Treasurer and Charles Kalu, Publicity Secretary.

    They also elected Standing Committee members for West, East and North.

    The biennial convention of the brought together over 400 editors and senior media professionals from across the country.

    The four-day event, which runs from June 26 to 29, 2025, is themed “Building a Secure and Cohesive Nigeria: The Role of Dialogue, Inclusion and the Media.”

    The conference features keynote sessions and panel discussions aimed at addressing the media’s responsibility in fostering national unity, combating misinformation and strengthening ethical journalism.

    Veteran media leaders, including Sam Amuka-Pemu, Nduka Obaigbena, Onyema Ugochukwu and John Momoh, are among key participants.

    NGE: Gov Mbah, Osoba, Momoh, others demand stronger synergy between government, media

    Meanwhile, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Aremo Segun Osoba, former governor of Ogun state, John Momoh founder of Channels TV group and others have called for deeper synergy between government and the media describing both as co-authors of the nation’s future.

    They made the call during the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) 2025 Biennial Convention, held in Enugu on Friday.

    The theme of the two-day convention is “Building A Secure And Cohesive Nigeria: The Role of Dialogue, Inclusion and The Media”.

    Host governor, Mbah, tasked editors to drive a greater trust and cooperation between governments and the media to enhance democracy and development.

    “I sincerely hope for this convention to be truly more than a meeting of professionals, let it be an affirmation of a relationship,” he advised.

    “We know that the relationship of trust has sometimes frayed between the press and government.

    “Too often, our engagements are shaped by suspicion or cynicism. Let us change that and return to a shared recognition that we are co-authors of Nigeria’s future.

    “Let us replace the distance with dialogue, see intelligent critique as public service instead of hostility. We need media that is inclusive,” he advised.

    Highlighting his administration achievements, the governor said the projects reflected his administration’s bold vision and commitment to transforming Enugu into a major city in the world.

    The Chairman of the convention, Mr John Momoh, tasked journalists on honesty, saying that “editors do not just report the news but shape public opinion and influence national mood,”.

    Momoh, who is also the Chairman, Channels Television, equally charged them not only to report conflicts, but spotlight the solutions, promote understanding and become bridge builders.

    “Inclusion is about real representation. Too many people still feel invisible, too many voices still go unheard.

    “We, in the media, must reflect the full picture of Nigeria not just in narrow sights,” he said.

    In a remark, Chief Olusegun Osoba, a onetime Governor of Ogun State, hailed Mbah for the ongoing transformation of Enugu State especially road infrastructure, security digitalisation, education among others.

    He, however, stressed the need for neighbourhood and state policing, noting that it would be difficult for one to be in Abuja and be providing security in states and the local areas.

    Also contributing, a former NGE President, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu commended the guild for sustaining the convention for unbroken 35 years.

    Earlier, the NGE President, Mr Eze Anaba, emphasised the importance of media in reporting fairly and contributing meaningfully to peace-building.

    He said the convention would critically examine the role of the media in building a secure and cohesive Nigeria especially in the light of the troubling security challenges confronting the nation.

    Anaba noted that insecurity had regrettably, became a defining feature of the national discourse.

    The NGE boss noted that the challenges differed across the regions while their severity was felt everywhere such as in the North-East and parts of the North West where insurgency persisted.

    According to him, the Middle Belt continues to reel from inter-ethnic strife, often resulting in needless bloodshed and mass displacement.

    “This reality compels us to ask hard questions: Could the media have done more to promote dialogue and inclusion as essential tools for conflict prevention?

    “Are we, perhaps, sometimes guilty of amplifying fear and sensationalism? Are we presenting all sides of the story fairly?

    “Most importantly, how can we, as journalists and editors, contribute constructively to the peace-building process,” Anaba asked.

    He explained that the convention was aimed at interrogating these questions more and to reaffirm the media’s role not just as chroniclers of crisis, but as builders of bridges and agents of unity.

    The president, however, thanked Gov. Mbah for hosting the convention as well as his numerous landmark projects that had transformed Enugu State.

  • NGE, others join calls for amendment of Cybercrimes Act

    NGE, others join calls for amendment of Cybercrimes Act

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has renewed its call for the Federal Government of Nigeria to take decisive action to amend the Cybercrimes Act further to safeguard freedom of expression, democratic advancement, and civic participation.

    The call aligns with growing concerns by stakeholders and foreign missions in Nigeria who recently expressed worries over the possibilities of misuse of the Act to suppress free speech, violate citizens’ fundamental rights, and undermine the country’s democracy.

    The General Secretary of NGE, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, made this known during a radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Uwugiaren lamented that despite the Nigeria Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024, signed into law on February 28, 2024, the Nigeria Police Force is still relying on some sections of the Act to arrest journalists and activists.

    While stressing that the Cybercrimes Act was impeding democracy and shrinking public participation, he noted that section 54 of the current Act tends to criminalize the journalism profession, hence why the media, civil society groups, and foreign missions are expressing concern and calling for amendment.

    “Despite the last amendment to the Cybercrimes Act, the police are still arresting people and charging them to court relying on a certain part of the Act. I think that’s where we should focus on now: for us to have a robust democracy, people should be able to express their views responsibly without any hindrance like government censorship or Acts of Parliament.

    “The Cybercrimes Act under section 54 tends to criminalize the journalism profession, which is why we (NGE), CSOs, and foreign missions are worried. Other laws within the constitution can take care of what the Cybercrimes Act says today.

    “As of today, over 143 countries have Cybercrime Acts. The whole idea had to do with the fraud that is taking place within cyberspace around the world. The law in some other countries deals with cyber criminals and not to gag the press or deprive people of expressing themselves.

    “On our part, the National Guild of Editors, we engaged security agencies, the federal government, and foreign missions to put pressure on the administration and to make sure that the Act is amended in line with global best practices.”

    Uwugiaren cautioned that media independence remains a challenge, with several factors affecting the huge role the media is designed to play in strengthening democracy in Nigeria and lamenting that many journalists face remuneration problems and hostile working conditions.

    “If we have a very strong media with enough economic capacity, and we have a free environment for them to operate, we can say that the media can do their job of strengthening democracy.

    “The question we should ask is if we have that enabling environment. If you look at the state of our economy today, virtually all sectors are affected and don’t forget the media is a player in that environment, so much so that their ability to discharge their responsibilities is gradually reducing daily.

    “Many media houses today are not able to pay salaries or empower their reporters to discharge their responsibilities effectively. So, on that note, they have to rely on handouts coming from private individuals and politicians. And as we all know, he who pays the piper dictates the tune. So when a company gives you an advert, when they start misbehaving, you will not have the moral responsibility to hold them responsible.

    “If you look at so many media houses today, they can’t function without handouts from the private sector or politicians,” Uwugiaren decried.

    Towing the same line, a media consultant, Anulika Maryjane Udoudo, stated that democratic practice in Nigeria continues to leave much to be desired due to the lack of independence of the media while asserting that “a lot of journalists are not free to carry out their jobs as members of the fourth estate of the realm due to fear of the Cybercrimes Act.”

    Udoudo hailed the advent of digital platforms and social media for helping to mount pressure on conventional media organizations to deliver on their expectations. Adding that the media can be free of control if the government is sincere.

    Her words: “The Cybercrimes Act is a challenge and hinders public opinion and our democracy. Journalists are, unfortunately, free to do their job without fear.

    “As a journalist, you cannot call me independent, yet you’re making laws to put me in a tight corner to compromise. That’s why I believe that no matter how unethical some of these social media platforms are still playing better roles than the regular media that should be there as our watchdog.

    “Some of these media houses are being funded by the political elite. So they have to do the bidding of their masters. The media is meant to be the fourth estate in government, but how do you get to check somebody who lords over you?

    “So, I still do not believe that the media can be totally free if the government is not sincere. It can be one out of 10,000 media platforms that are sincerely trying to uphold integrity in the media space. In a society where democracy is not being practiced accurately, it’s difficult.

    “The media is just an aspect of other institutions that are not working in Nigeria. This is because we are either not ripe for democracy, or we are just practicing our own thing, which maybe should not be called democracy. This also extends to the Judicial arm of government,” Udoudo said.

    It will be recalled that in a joint statement to celebrate the 2025 Democracy Day in Nigeria entitled “Preventing Misuse of the Cybercrimes Act: Protecting Free Speech and Unlocking Economic Growth,’’ the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, Jr.; The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery; the Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Sanna Selin; the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Swein Baera and the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria Pasquale Salvaggio, called for urgent reform of the Act.

    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program that draws the government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.

    The program runs in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation.

  • N570 Billion FG Support: NGE asks Nigerians to hold State Governors accountable

    N570 Billion FG Support: NGE asks Nigerians to hold State Governors accountable

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on citizens to demand accountability from state governments on how they utilized over N570 billion disbursed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to expand livelihood support.

     

    NGE also berated attacks on journalists covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests by some security personnel.

     

    It will be recalled that President Tinubu had revealed during a televised national broadcast to Nigerians following nationwide hunger protests that over N570 billion was released to the 36 states of the federation to expand livelihood support to vulnerable citizens.

     

    The NGE’s General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, called on citizens to demand accountability of the support funds during an anti-corruption radio program, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, Wednesday in Abuja.

     

    Uwugiaren, who stressed that active citizenship was critical to entrenching, said, “It is high time Nigerians started holding leaders accountable.” Additionally, the onus is now on the citizens, civil society organizations, and the media to get explanations for the utilization of resources at the subnational level.

     

    He lamented the failure of the state legislatures to check the excesses of state governors as they are doubtful to question how the over N570 billion released to the 36 states of the federation was spent.

     

    “We have to start holding the governors accountable. The Federal government recently disbursed about N570 billion to 36 state governors, and I can assure you that that money will not get to the local government purse.

     

    “The question we should be asking is how do we engage the governors to find out what they do with the internally generated revenue funds they collect with the local governments. The federal government should stop behaving like Father Christmas because that’s why people think the FG has the solution to all Nigeria’s economic problems when the solution lies in the hands of some State Governors.

     

    “Nigerians must take back this country from the political elite who wants to destroy this country, and the only way we can continue to do that is by holding them accountable, by being actively involved in what they are doing.

     

    “Civil society groups need to do a lot of job along the line in enlightening the citizens that they also elected their local government chairman and governors to better their lives,” Iyobosa stressed.

     

    Speaking on the fallout of the #Endbadgovernance protests, Iyobosa berated the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for absolving personnel of wrongdoings and attacks on journalists while calling for more training and equipping of police men and women in such situations.

     

    “I have many of my colleagues who were brutalized. We (NGE) documented about 16 journalists who were harassed.

     

    “As a point, the president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors – Eze Anaba, was in touch with the IGP and asked him to call his men to order.

     

    “The Police didn’t behave very well; they were not professional in managing the scenario, and I was shocked that even the Military and the State Security Service were more professional than the police,” He said.

     

    On her part, Human Rights Lawyer Mojirayo Ogunlana criticized attacks on journalists and peaceful protesters in some instances while noting that the nationwide protests have increased citizens’ awareness and have awakened the consciousness of holding elected leaders to account.

     

    She emphasized that the August 2024 protests achieved a lot as the government is seen trying to address many people’s problems. While stressing that “as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, journalists are critical to improving good governance in the nation, hence the need for security agencies to protect them.”

     

    Speaking on accountability of N570 billion disbursed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to state governments, Ogunlana said: “To entrench good governance, the people cannot go to sleep, you must follow all these politicians bumper to bumper whether at the local strata, the states and the federal level; everywhere you have to be on their case and hold them accountable.”

     

    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.

    The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

  • Press Freedom Day: NGE salutes journalists working under harsh economic conditions

    Press Freedom Day: NGE salutes journalists working under harsh economic conditions

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has lauded journalists working under the current harsh economic conditions in the country.

    The professional body of editors and media executives in Nigeria, gave this commendation in a statement signed on Friday by its President, Mr Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, to commemorate the 2024 World Press Freedom Day.

    “We celebrate the courageousness and commitment of journalists across the country, who continue to risk everything to bring us the truth and reliable/credible information.

    “We also acknowledge the growing threats to press freedom – from violence and censorship to disinformation and economic pressures.

    “We pay tribute to the journalists who have lost their lives or faced persecution, and we stand in solidarity with those under threat or attack and those who continue to work under very harsh economic conditions,” the NGE said.

    The forum reaffirmed that media freedom, freedom of expression and access to public information are crucial to democracy and must be at the heart of Nigerian government’s values and actions.

    The NGE said it recognised the crucial role played by journalists, media workers and free/ independent media in protecting the country’s democracy and advised them not to give up, in spite of the prevailing economic challenges.

    The guild also requested the National Assembly to initiate and adopt a law to protect journalists, who speak out on matters of public interest, especially against abusive and strategic lawsuits, which are regularly initiated to silence them.

    According to the  NGE, the 2024 World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to emphasising the importance of good journalism amidst the current global environmental crisis.

    “In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, we believe that journalism and freedom of expression are crucial in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

    “Journalism and freedom of expression help in raising public awareness about environmental issues; holding power accountable; amplifying marginalised voices; promoting transparency and accountability.

    “It also help in fostering public debate/engagement, and providing a platform for solutions,” the body said

    The NGE added that 2024 World Press Freedom Day provided an opportunity for every stakeholder in the media community to continue to drum it to the hearing of both state and non-state actors – about the importance of press freedom and the challenges being faced by journalists.

    The editors said that such challenges included censorship, harassment, imprisonment and violence.

    The guild said that there was urgent need by the government to take deliberate and sustained action to promote press freedom and good journalism in the country.

    The NGE added: ‘’The federal government will fundamentally be promoting the enabling environment for media to operate responsibly if it adopts a law to protect persons who speak out on matters of public interest against abusive lawsuits meant to silence them.

    “The federal government should take a clue from the European Union and other democracies around the world, who have adopted similar laws to protect journalists and media houses against Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP suit).

    “More so, there are still many obnoxious and anti-media laws in our statutory books that are targeted at journalists and media houses. The National Assembly (NASS) must take immediate step to repeal them.’’

    The guild also urged government at all levels, international organisations and civil society organisation to protect and promote press freedom;.

    The editors urged them to ensure safety and security for journalists/media houses; and ensure that all restrictive laws and policies targeted at the media are repealed.

    The guild said that it would continue to advocate for press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information, adding that they are crucial to good governance, democratic societies and fundamental human rights.

    The World Press Freedom Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, is observed annually on May 3.

    It is set aside to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

    The day also acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    It highlights the importance of a free, independent, and pluralistic media in fostering transparency, accountability and democracy.

  • I would rather die than fail my supporters – Peter Obi

    I would rather die than fail my supporters – Peter Obi

    Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, on Monday in Lagos said that he would rather die than fail his supporters.

    Obi also said that the right leadership would eliminate most of Nigeria’s challenges by  turning the country from consumption to production.

    Obi spoke at the Editors Forum, an initiative of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

    The former Governor of Anambra State said that the nation was going through many challenges mainly because  it was a consuming instead of a producing country.

    According to him, if the nation is productive, three quarters of its challenges can be solved.

    He listed the challenges to include unemployment, poverty, criminality and insecurity.

    “We cannot have that number of people living in poverty and not have criminality, banditry and so on. We must remove sharing formula and replace it with production formula,” he said.

    He said that Nigeria had fertile lands and the population to do well in agriculture.

    “The hope of this country is the vast uncultivated land, not that oil we are seeing. My commitment is to put Nigeria into production.

    “It is not acceptable that we cannot feed ourselves. We must get the country to work;  all it requires is the leadership that understands and can drive the process. I can do that, ” he said.

    On his campaign funding, Obi said that contrary to insinuations, no one else was funding the campaign.

    He also said that he did not give money to anyone to step down for him or walk with him.

    “I cannot be talking about being transparent about managing public money without starting with my campaign.

    “I do not pay people to work with me. Nobody will say he is funding Peter Obi’s campaign. I am funding it myself.

    “All those things happening everywhere are  just that people believe in our cause and give whatever it is from their little resources.

    “I am encouraged, and I assure them that they are doing it for the right cause and I will never disappoint them,” he said.

    On Nigeria’s debt profile, Obi said that there was nothing wrong in borrowing.

    “Every nation borrows, individual businesses borrow all over the world. What is important is what we use the borrowed money to do. If you borrow for consumption, that is where we have a problem.”

    He said that borrowed money should be invested well to increase the country’s gross domestic product and per capita income.

    “I won’t say I will not borrow but I will only borrow for investment and I will explain to Nigerians the need for the borrowing,” he added.

    Promising to reduce the nation’s debt burden,  Obi pledged to eliminate all wastes and rascality, if elected.

    On communication, Obi pledged to regularly interface with Nigerians and provide information on the running of his government, if elected.

    He described communication as vital for good governance.

    He called on Nigerians to elect their next president based on character, integrity competence, capacity and commitment.

    He  said that there was the need to prioritise  the rule of law, law and order,  education development and other intangible assets to drive investors.

    On power supply, the LP candidate said that adequate power generation and distribution were not rocket science and were achievable.

    “We will support those generating power and do everything possible on distribution.

    “I can tell you that within years, we will move from where we are, to 20,000 mega watts, because we need it for production,” he said.

    On technology, Obi said that, if elected, his administration would use science and technology to improve production, security, education and job creation.

    “Everything is driven by technology.”

    On women involvement in governance, Obi said: “We are going to involve women and youths if I have the opportunity to serve, because that 50 per cent of our population must come into productive use.”

    On  predictions about outcomes of the 2023 Presidential Election, Obi said that only God knew who would win the election.

    On his supporters, Obi said that he did know many of them, but vowed not to disappoint them.

    “I am determined not to fail them. I would rather die than fail them. I am going to serve them,” he said.

    Earlier, the President of the NGE, Mr Mustapha Isah, said that the forum was to provide an opportunity for presidential candidates and other key players in the 2023 General Elections to tell Nigerians  their plans.

    Isah said that the forum was in line with NGE’s  resolve to provide adequate information to the members of the electorate to enable them to make informed choices during the elections.

    He added that it was aimed at promoting issue-based campaigns.

    In Obi’s entourage was Mr Akin Osuntokun, South West Coordinator of LP Presidential  Campaign; Ms Aisha Yesufu, an activist; and Ms Ndi Kato, spokesperson for the Obi/Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation.

  • 2023: No excuses, no blame games if Nigerians hire me – Peter Obi

    2023: No excuses, no blame games if Nigerians hire me – Peter Obi

    Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi has said he will not give excuses or engage in blame games against predecessors if elected president in the 2023 general elections.

    Obi, who appeared at the Editors Forum, an initiative of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), on Monday in Lagos, said that leaders are elected to solve problems and not to be looking at the past and blaming others.

    He said that he had studied the country, understood the yearnings of the people and was ready to be a problem solver.

    “Next year’s election will based on character, competence, capacity, and ability or commitment to start doing the right thing. I assure you that I am committed.

    “It is going to be difficult, but it requires huge mental and physical energy. I want Nigerians to hold me responsible, I will be the commander in chief, and I will drive the process.

    “Security, I am going to deal with it headlong. I will be responsible. I won’t take any excuses.

    “I want to assure Nigerians that this work, I can do it, and it has to be done. I am not going to give excuses. I don’t want to go in and start studying what to do.

    “I don’t want to go in and start complaining and blaming predecessors because if the past was good, you won’t hire me. I am not here to look back. I am here to solve problem,” he said.

    According to him, the job of a leader is not to give excuses or complain but to find solutions and deal with issues and build a better country.

    “You hire me to start telling you good story and that is what I am promising Nigerians.

    “If they hire me, I am going to tell them (Nigerians) good stories and not to start reminding them about the past and what someone left undone,” he added.

    Obi promised to lead by example, fight corruption, supervise projects and bring sanity into the system.

    He said that the cost of governance in the country was high and unacceptable, pledging to end all rascality, corruption and wastages if elected to put the country on path of growth and development.

    Promising to provide leadership, Obi said that as former governor of Anambra, he toured every local government and slept in all the council areas, adding, “If I give you a job to do, I will follow it up.”

    “Leadership changes everything, but the driver must be known, trained and have the competence,” he said.

    Obi noted that he had studied the nation’s challenges, including security, economy, poverty, agriculture, micro and small business and corruption.

    He said that he had the political will to bring in an institutional framework to make things work.

    On fighting corruption, Obi said: “I don’t need to tell you anything about fighting corruption because all you need to do is to go to Anambra State and ask how many parcels of land were allocated to Peter Obi, his wife and children or anybody, If you see one, I stop campaigning.

    “If you see any contractor that says I sat down with him and negotiated what is my own benefit in contracts, I will stop campaigning. I am not a saint. I became governor by His Grace but I cannot abuse grace,” he said.

    Stressing that the 2023 general elections should not be about tribe, Obi urged the journalists to scrutinise all the presidential candidates, not based on certificate, religion, eloquence, or ethnicity, but character and track records.

    “Remember that certificate is not a measure of character and integrity. We are looking for people who will not steal our money.

    “So, go and scrutinise all of us. We should vote people based on track record, age, strength because the job requires physical and mental energy,” he said.

    Obi was accompanied to the event by Mr Akin Osuntokun, Osuntokun, the South West coordinator of his campaign, Ms Aisha Yesufu, an activist,  and Ms Ndi Kato, Spokesperson of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation.

  • Credible journalism can influence credible elections – Danbatta

    Credible journalism can influence credible elections – Danbatta

    As the campaigns and build-up to the 2023 general elections thicken, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has said that the media holds the ace in making a difference in promoting credible elections in Nigeria.

    Danbatta told the gathering of the cream of Nigerian editors at the 18th All-Nigeria Editors Conference, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) at the Concord Hotels in Owerri, Imo State, with the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma in attendance, where he reiterated the importance of the roles of the journalists, before, during and after the 2023 elections.

    In Danbatta’s goodwill to the conference, delivered by the Director, Public Affairs of the Commission, Reuben Muoka, he expressed the confidence that the vibrant Nigerian media, credited with its sterling performance from the history of struggle for the country’s political independence, where Nigerian nationalists, who were good journalists made “brilliant and courageous outing”, will work in the interest of the nation.

    Speaking to the theme of the conference, “2023: Political Landscape, Credible Elections and the Role of the Editors”, Danbatta declared that good journalism is critical to sustainable democratic culture as political stability is enhanced by conduct of successful elections.

    He said he “believes the editors will leave the conference with resolutions setting clear, unambiguous and very robust parameters to guide the role of the media in the forthcoming elections in a fair, objective and balanced manner.”

    “Beyond and above the traditional routine role of the media in information-sharing, education and entertainment, the media is a social agency constitutionally charged to watch those of us in public office from derailing from the pursuit of the social contract and the social good. No other agency of the civil society is so positioned to influence social progress,” he declared.

    He also informed the gathering that the Commission is dedicated to the implementation of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025), and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030), among other regulatory instruments, with a view to enhancing connectivity and social cohesion in the land. Hence, he said befitting infrastructure, including the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, are all aimed at improving availability and accessibility and affordability. He said there is no doubt that the availability of telecommunications infrastructure will enhance credibility of elections.

    Danbatta specifically expressed gratitude to the Nigeria media for trusting the NCC and supporting its efforts to fulfil its mandate right from the beginning of the transition from “state-dominated telecommunication operations to a deregulated, more liberalised market.”

    The EVC recalled that NCC’s friendship and partnership with the media have been very mutually-fruitful, as the Commission has leveraged on the media for increased awareness by the public of NCC’s activities, programmes and achievements.

    Danbatta also commended the journalists covering the telecom sector as well as other communication professionals for supporting the Commission all the way by giving adequate and prominent coverage to its successes in consumer protection, improvement in infrastructure, adoption of new technologies, most recently, the launch of the Fifth Generation (5G) networks, and reportage of challenges facing the telecom industry.

  • Presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku to speak at NGE’s confab, Sept 6

    Presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku to speak at NGE’s confab, Sept 6

     

    Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar will be key discussant at this year’s Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE annual confab slated for September 13 in Lagos.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement jointly signed by the guild’s president, secretary, Mustapha Isa and Iyobosa Uwugiaren.

    In the statement the guild said:”One of the fundamental issues that featured prominently during our Editors’ Training Workshops and Town Hall Meetings, held across the six geo- political zones early this year, with the theme: ‘’Media And The Task of Consolidating Nigeria’s Democracy’’, was the need for Editors to thoroughly interrogate the democratic landscape.

    ” This comprises the political actors: the electoral body, the candidates for elections, the security agencies, the political observers and the electorate , ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    “The whole idea is for the media to put all the political actors and other stakeholders on their toes and provide the electorate with useful information to enable them make informed decisions before, during and after the 2023 general elections. Letters have been sent to many political actors to be part of this engagement.

    “To kick start the conversation, we wish to invite all members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors to participate in the first edition of the Editors’ Forum on the 2023 general elections, which holds on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at Colonnades Hotel, 21 Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi, Lagos by 6 pm.

    “The guest speaker for that day is the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. He is expected to entertain questions from editors on his policies, programmes, as well as the manifesto of his party .

     

    “The Guild believes that the forum offers candidates an opportunity to engage media leaders on details of their plans and programmes if elected into into office.

    Please, note that the event is at the instance of the NGE and solely funded by us.

    We, therefore, enjoin our members to fully participate in the event and be punctual.