Tag: NGE

NGE, NUJ react as NBC revokes licenses of 52 stations nationwide

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has cautioned, even as the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed concern over the large-scale clampdown of broadcast stations by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the NBC revoked the licenses of DAAR Communication Ltd, pioneer of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power 100.5 FM; Silverbird TV Network and 50 other stations over N2.6 billion debt on Friday.

The NUJ in a statement released by Chris Isiguzo, National President of the union, stressed that revocation was in disregard to security issues and that there was attendant consequence.

The statement reads: “The decision today by Industry Regulator , the National Broadcasting Commission – NBC, to revoke the licenses of 52 broadcast stations nationwide over indebtedness to the Commission was ill advised.

“The affected stations, according to NBC are said to owe arrears of licence fees amounting to N2.6 billon since 2015.

“Although the Director General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah claimed that this development had no political motives, yet we insist that the action was ill timed and reckless.

“It should be noted that this wholesale revocation of licences at this critical time of insecurity in the country appears to be a decision taken without careful prior deliberation, consultation or counsel.

“While we regret the inability of these broadcast stations to fulfill their obligations to NBC, in-view of dwindling resources, we caution against such large scale clampdown of broadcast stations in disregard to security issues and the attendant consequence. We cannot afford the unpleasant outcome of such media blackout at this time.

“We call on NBC to exercise more restraint on this issue in consideration of national security and allow for more dialogue and consultation to find a better way of dealing with the situation”.

Editors express concern over shutting down of over 50 broadcast stations

Similarly, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed concern over the shutting down of over 50 broadcast stations by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for failing to pay their renewal licence fees.

In a press statement signed by its President, Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, on Friday, the professional body of all the editors in Nigeria said that the action, if not reversed, will lead to the loss of thousands of jobs in a country where jobs are scarce.

“The NGE is worried because media houses, which played and continue to pay a key role in the nurturing and development of democracy can’t just be off air no matter the reasons.

“While the Guild is not against broadcast stations fulfilling their financial obligations to the NBC, we note that the current harsh operating environment that has crippled every sector in our nation was not taken into account by the NBC before its action.

“Currently, it is difficult for private stations to import broadcast equipment due to the high exchange rate. We are all aware of the high operational cost, including the cost of diesel to power their generating sets”, the NGE stated.

The Guild added that several broadcast stations are just managing to survive in the midst of the high competition in the industry following the licencing of hundreds of more stations by the NBC.

The NGE called for a review of the NBC Act to increase the lifespan of a broadcast licence from five to at least 10 years.

The body of editors also advocated a reduction of the licence fees considering the fact that several broadcast stations now operates in the country, saying for instance, the Lagos zone alone now has close to 50 radio stations.

The NGE tasked the NBC to enter into dialogue with the affected stations to restructure the debts owed and work out convenient payment period to ensure their survival.

According to the statement, “A caring government should be concerned about the possibility of job losses than revenue generation. After all, one of the functions of the NBC is working for the survival and the development of the broadcast industry.”

“A critical stakeholder in the nation’s democratic space cannot be shut out at this critical moment of our democracy, especially when the country is preparing for the 2023 general election.”

The NGE, therefore urged the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria and the Independent Broadcasting Organisation to enter into a dialogue with the NBC with a view to find a lasting solution to this recurring issue of licence renewal fees, which often lead to threats of shutdown.

August 19, 2022
Sanwo-Olu, media chiefs set for corporate governance workshop

Media bigwigs will on Thursday gather in Lagos to x-ray the impact of digitalisation on journalism and the entire industry, and prescribe practicable responses.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is to declare open the two-day workshop, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

“Digitalisation has changed the face and the practice of journalism, eroding its space,” the NGE said in a statement in Lagos on Monday.

The statement, signed by its President, Mr. Mustapha Isah, and the General-Secretary, Mr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, said that the profession needed more efficient management models to thrive, in the face of this.

It said that this informed the theme of the workshop, “Journalism and Digitalisation: The Imperative of Good Corporate Governance”.

Managing Directors, publishers and editors of national media outlets, including print, broadcast and online, are expected at the workshop, held at the De Rembrandt Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja.

The NGE said that a lecturer at the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University Lagos, Dr. Pius Onobhayedo, would deliver the keynote address on the theme.

Also, former Managing Director of Guardian Press Limited, Mr. Emeka Izeze, will speak on the sub-theme: “Striking the Balance among Commercialism, Proprietary Right and Professionalism.”

The NGE said that former Managing Director, The Sun Publishing Limited, Dr. Tony Onyima, would deliver a paper on “Surviving the Digital Onslaught”.

It said that former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Punch, Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, would also deliver a paper on “Journalism and the Law: Who Watches the Watchdog?”

The Guild said that the workshop, supported by the Lagos State government, would attract 50 participants spread across Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Edo and Delta States.

August 2, 2022
Editors Reaffirm Commitment to Defence of Democracy, Press Freedom

Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has restated its resolve not to buckle under any circumstances in its historic duty of defending and promoting the cause of democracy and press freedom in the country.

This was part of the communique made available to the public at the end of a Town Hall Meeting/Capacity Building.

The events held in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria with the last one in Port Harcourt, the South-South Zone.

The resolve is captured in a press statement signed by the President of the Guild, Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren.

The NGE said it has contributed immensely to the sustenance of democracy in the country.

Part of it’s contributions as contained in the statement is putting the lives of many of its members on the line in the form of constant harassment, brutalization and death.

Guild : Nigerian Guild of Editors urges govt to find missing Vanguard journalist
Notwithstanding, the NGE said its members are now more equipped and energized by the training to discharge their constitutional role of holding government accountable to the people.

The editors who commended the US Embassy in Nigeria for sponsoring the regional training workshop for 350 editors across the six geopolitical zones, urged the Embassy to also support step-down trainings for line editors and reporters.

According to the communiqué, the editors explained that having consistently put down their lives in the defence of democracy, they have also resolved to take the gauntlet by sifting from the array of aspirants angling for public office.

ALSO READ: US doles out N93m to Nigerian Guild of Editors

Such sifting, members noted, is to ensure that the electorate are provided with credible information to make informed choices in the democratic process, TheMewsGuru.com reports.

‘’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’’, TheNewsGuri.com was informed.

Noting that the media thrives better under a democratic rule, the NGE explained that the media has contributed significantly more than any section of the Nigerian society in enthroning, promoting and sustaining the cause of democracy in Nigeria.

‘’While other sections of the society were pummelled under military dictatorship, the media stood like the rock of Gibraltar and had the effrontery to look the military in the eye.

‘’Unfortunately, in spite of the huge human and material resources of the country, many years of democratic rule have not brought significant development in different sectors to meaningfully impact on the lives of the Nigerian people. But the media will not give up in the its defence of democracy’’, the editors added.

Amidst increasing misinformation, disinformation and deliberate falsehood in cyberspace, the editors also resolved to explore the use of fact-checking tools to verify stories as part of the process of erasing the credibility gap.

According to the editors, ‘’There is need for the media to always use fact check tools to verify its stories. And that no matter how reliable a source has been in the past, the media should always be circumspect about any disclosures from any sources by double checking the information.’’

Noting that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) can assist the media to deal with the problem of anonymity of sources, particularly when confronted with legal matters, the editors said that there is a need for the media to make more use of the Act as part of the move to instil greater credibility on its stories.

Arising from the conversations at the conferences in the six geo-political zones, the editors said that while regulation of media practice will accord media professionals greater respect like other groups, pandering to the antics of a government, which has consistently shown abrasive zeal to hamstrung the Nigerian media – to solely regulate the media, will be harmful to its survival.

‘’This is more so given its insidious use of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) codes to clamp down on stations that give vent to anti-government opinions.

‘’Editors agreed that the media should endeavour to regulate professional practice and also ensure proper corporate governance on the part of the owners of media houses, in order to guarantee adequate supply of working tools, better working environment and improvement in staff welfare’’, the editors further added.

Editors commended the NGE leadership, led by Mustapha Isah, for ‘’lifting the bar of engagement’’ via the training workshop, which has not only enriched their knowledge but also created a platform for further social networking amongst members.

May 18, 2022
World Press Freedom Day: NGE raises alarm over state of media freedom in Nigeria

…warns that threat to media is threat to democracy

…urges FG to make newsprints, broadcast equipment, consumables tax-free

As the world marks the World Press Freedom Day today, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has said that the inalienable right to access and disseminate information through an independent press is under attack, and called for urgent need to protect the media, adding democracy is in danger when a free press is threatened.

In a press statement signed by the NGE’s President, Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren on Monday to mark the World Press Freedom Day, the professional group of all the editors in Nigeria, said that while the threat to the media freedom in Nigeria is real, the impact on the state of democracy in the country will be very dangerous, if not checked.

“Today is a day globally, to remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of reflection among journalists and other media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

“We need to remind governments at all levels in Nigeria that a free and independent media that can keep the people informed and hold leaders accountable, is essential for a strong and sustainable democracy, including free and fair elections. Without it, Nigerians cannot make informed decisions about how they are governed; and address human rights abuses, corruption and abuse of power,” the editors stated.

The Guild said that its members are concerned that elected leaders in Nigeria, who should be press freedom’s dependable protectors, have made several overt attempts to silence the media voices through proposed legislations – that clearly seek to criminalise journalism practice in the country.

The editors added that apart from the regular attacks on journalists – carrying out their legitimate editorial assignments by overzealous security agents, the current attempts to criminalise journalism practice in the country through obnoxious proposed laws, the suffocating economic environment and harsh political/economic policies of the federal government, have in the past few years, made it almost impossible for the media sector to carry out its constitutional responsibility for the benefit of the citizens.

The NGE added, “There is urgent need to protect the media; because the impact of the suffocating economic and political environment being created by the government will be very dangerous to our democracy. A threat to the media is a threat to our democracy.

‘’Governments at all levels must take the lead in making sure that their actions do not inspire violations of press freedom. A democratic society like Nigeria should know that it has a crucial role to play in maintaining media freedom and facilitating access to public information.

“Government should regularly take strong and immediate action against any violations of media freedom – this should include speaking out against violence against journalists and authorities’ failure/refusal to identify and prosecute attackers.’’

The NGE also called on the federal government to make newsprints, broadcast equipment and all other consumables in the media sector tax free, in order to save the media from total collapse.

“The media is a strong pillar of democracy; it is the oxygen of the democratic space; and there is urgent need by the federal government to make intervention to save it from collapsing’’, the editors added.

While saluting journalists, pro-media rights groups and others who have remained resolute in the defence of press freedom and independent press in the country, the NGE said that its ongoing Town Hall Meeting and Capacity Training Programme for editors in the six geo-political zones – being sponsored by the US Embassy in Nigeria, have also provided a huge opportunity to remind its members about the ethical values of journalism practice and the need to strictly adhere to those values.

The statement further stated that editors have also resolved to continue to set agenda for conversation in addressing the major issues affecting the country, including insecurity, political violence and others in the country – by creating different fora for the discussion of the issues by the major stakeholders: the electoral body, civil society groups, security agencies, political parties and the electorate.

May 3, 2022
NGE: US supports Nigerian Editors’ capacity building with N93.3 million

…holds workshops, town hall meetings in six geo-political zones

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has received $226,889 (equivalent of about N93.3 million) from the United States of America through its embassy in Nigeria, to facilitate activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of its members to understand, appreciate and deliver on their constitutionally assigned responsibility to hold government accountable to the people.

In a press statement issued yesterday by the NGE’s President, Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the professional body of editors, said the capacity building will include training programmes for Editors and other senior journalists on Press Freedom/Democracy, as well as Town Hall meetings on media regulation framework.

‘’The project also entails printing and distribution of the Journalism Code of ethics, and strengthening of the NGE’s website – news alerts on media violations.

“These capacity building conferences, which will hold in the six geo-political zones across the country, are to provide a platform for editors to be reminded of the sacred duties they are tasked to perform by the constitution on behalf of the citizens’’, the NGE stated.

‘’Drawing copious examples from the advanced democracies around the world, like US – after which the Nigerian constitution is formed, the conferences are expected to instil in the editors the need to perform their duties with the highest form of standard and sense of responsibilities.’’

The body of all Nigerian editors hopes that a responsive and professional media will have the spin-off effect of keeping the government on their toes, holding government accountable to the citizens, securing the confidence and support of the citizens and the international community and advancing the democratic growth and consolidation.

Explaining other components of the project, the NGE added that it will also strengthen NGE’s website to meet up with the demands for news alerts on media violations, public feedback and complaints on allegations of malicious media reportage.

‘’This would provide an opportunity for the Guild to strengthen its online presence to promptly disseminate current information with members and the general public, including international partners and audiences.

‘’A third component is the printing and distribution of Nigeria Journalism Code of Ethics to all journalists, including editors to popularise among editors and senior journalists the professional code of ethics that guilds their profession and have these instilled in their sub-consciousness and serve as a guiding principle.

‘’It will also help to promote good governance, transparency and deepening of democracy through objective media practices that effectively demands accountability from those in authorities towards advancing the socio-economic well-being and rights of the people, and enrich their cultural practices, and human rights, in line with the values expected of a modern democratic state’’, the statement explained.

The NGE said that at this critical point in Nigeria, especially as it moves towards 2023 general election, the country needs a media that can help set social and political agenda in support of a better society, helping to build visions of hope, nudge Nigerians and Nigeria on the path of development, social reengineering and renaissance.

On the Town Hall meetings component of the project, the statement explained that it will provide a huge opportunity for stakeholders to assess media performance in consolidating Nigerian’s democracy and outline an agenda for the future.

The NGE said that it has also planned strategy meetings with Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other media focused NGOs on framework for self-regulatory for Nigerian media.

‘’This will provide a platform for media stakeholders to undertake self-introspection and develop a framework for media regulation, which will not only have their buy-in but also improve the standard for media practice in Nigeria thereby reducing, if not eliminate, incidents of sub-standard and unprofessional reportage in the Nigerian media.

‘’Such conversations and hopefully eventual adoption of self-regulatory framework could also have a regional spin-off whereby countries within the region, and indeed Africa, could be encouraged to borrow a leaf from the Nigerian example, as was the case with the adoption of a Freedom of Information Act in Nigeria subsequently having a positive spin-off in Ghana’’, the NGE added.

On the expected impact of the project, the editors said that a pool of Nigerian editors and media managers will be galvanised and will be committed to the highest ethical standard and taking robust actions to ensure same. And committed to the promotion and protection of the right to independent press, freedom of expression and the deepening of democratic space.

The NGE also hoped that at the end of the project, mobilised pool of editors will be constantly projecting issue-based governance in defence of the mass of the Nigerian people in line with Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to the statement, the programme looks to galvanise the key stakeholders to act responsibly and deny the authorities the moral authority to take punitive actions against the media for performing their constitutionally assigned role to hold the government to account, and to the general citizens the right to hold and voice their opinions on the conduct of public officers.

From the timelines of the project, the South-west conference and the Town Hall meeting will hold in Lagos between December 2 and 4.

November 14, 2021
Nigerian Guild of Editors urges govt to find missing Vanguard journalist

As the world marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against journalists today, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on government at all levels to make deliberate and sustained efforts to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work freely.

The editors also reminded the government that attacks on journalists have destructive effect on dissemination of information and helpful debate in a democratic space. They expressed concern over the way journalists are increasingly subjected to all forms of threats, including kidnapping, torture, physical attacks and other forms of harassments.

In a statement issued on Monday by NGE’s President, Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uuwgiaren, the professional group also called on the security agencies to immediately locate a missing a journalist, Mr. Tordue Salem; investigate all forms of attacks against journalists – with the sole purpose of prosecuting the offenders.

Mr. Salem, a journalist with Vanguard Newspapers, who covers the House of Representatives, has been declared missing in the past few weeks.

The United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed every November 2 as the ‘’International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’’ in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/163. The resolution urges Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity.

This milestone resolution condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. And also urges Member States to do their utmost to prevent violence against journalists and media workers, to ensure accountability, bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers, and ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

While expressing worry over refusal by the appropriate authorities to properly investigate threats of violence and attacks against journalists in the past few years, the NGE said that it is very troubling for an adult like Mr. Salem to just vanish into thin air for the past three weeks without a trace.

Giving instances of attacks against journalists in the past two years, the Guild said that on October 11, last years, Gimba Kakanda, a columnist with Daily Trust newspaper, was attacked by police officers, when he tried to pick up his car near the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abuja.

Also on October 11, 2020, the police violently attacked Arise Television cameraman, Francis Ogbonna, and a reporter, Ferdinand Duruoha, while they were covering protests in Abuja.

‘’We also have on record how some unknown gunmen – on October 12, 2020, attacked Television Continental presenter, Theophilus Elamah, in the chest and forced him and the cameraman he was working with, Julius Idowu, to leave the protest area.

‘’On October 17, 2020, Oluwatoyin Yusuf, a reporter with the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), was attacked by unidentified men while covering a protest in Oshogbo, the state capital.

‘’Also on October 21, 2020 in Lagos, unknown men attacked the offices of Lagos State Television (LTV) and the TVC broadcaster.

‘’While covering the October 21 attack on TVC, Ayo Makinde, a reporter with the privately owned Channels Television broadcaster was assaulted by unidentified people’’, the Guild added.

The NGE reminded politicians, government officials and security agents that while they like to present their success stories and their opinions, using the media to gain public respect and widen their authority; the media’s role is to question them critically, and hold them accountable to the people.

‘’If journalists are to discharge their constitutional and social responsibilities earnestly and robustly, politicians, government officials and security agents must treat them respectfully. They must ensure regular flow of information and frank dispassionate approach in dealing with journalists’’, the editors stated.

Aside from deadly attacks, the NGE said that it has also noticed ‘’anti-media rhetoric’’ by some politicians and senior government officials – that is hostile to the media.

According to the NGE, ‘’This anti-media rhetoric has lent a hand to a sense of resentment against journalists, and contributed hugely to questioning of trust in the media, and creating a susceptible working atmosphere for journalists and media workers.

‘’We have also noticed that some members of the National Assembly are using prerogatives of so-called ‘’fake news’’ as a doubtful justification to propose amendments to media laws – with intention to criminalise journalism practice in Nigeria, curtail freedom of expression, suffocate democratic space and muzzle journalists in particular.’’

The editors reiterated that the media is neither a political rival nor opponent of the government; but an institution recognises by Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution to at all times hold public officials accountable to the people and promotes good governance.

November 2, 2021
Insecurity threatening Nigeria’s unity – Guild of Editors

Nigerian Guild of Editors at the weekend warned that security challenges, which have seen terrorists, bandits, armed herdsmen and other criminal elements holding the nation to ransom and threatening its survival and development, could tear the country to shreds.

The guild hich made the remarks Editors during its 17th All Nigerian Editors Conference declared that the problem of insecurity is taking a huge toll on societal life and posting negative development indices in several areas.

They also called for healthy and harmonious collaboration between the media and the security agencies in the fight against insecurity while insisting that peace and development cannot thrive in times of crises.

They said governments at all levels have a responsibility to defend, protect and provide for its citizens

In a communique signed by the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mustapha Isah, and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, after the annual ANEC held on October 21 and October 22, the Editors said the security crises stemmed from leadership failure that has bedevilled the country for many years.

They said: “There are fears in some quarters that editors and media professionals seem to have taken sides in the raging crises. That journalists and security agents who are first line responders to every flash points appear locked in mutual suspicion.”

Noting that journalists are oftentimes impaired and harassed by security agents from carrying out their professional responsibilities, the conference said peace and development, which are germane to further advancement of Nigeria cannot thrive in times of crises

The conference resolved that “governments at all levels have a responsibility to defend, protect and provide for its citizens. That agitations for self-determination, which are raging in the South-East, South-West and the South-South regions do not augur well for the unity of the country.

“The conference called for an end to raging insecurity so that citizens can conduct their normal lives in an atmosphere of peace and concord.

“That there’s need for healthy and harmonious collaboration between the media and the security agencies in the fight against insecurity.

‘“There is a need for security agents to appreciate the role of Journalists and media professionals and refrain from anything that will abridge it.”

The conference also advised editors and other media professionals to ensure they are conflict-sensitive and ensure they do not publish stories capable of inflaming ethnic, regional and religious passion and also called for urgent need to tackle the monster of misinformation and sanitise the media against unprofessional and unethical behaviour.

The conference also urged government to support the survival of the media as part of the task of building the nation’s democracy and avoid any acts that will put the media in chains.

While calling on the Federal Government to confront issues that have given rise to the demands of the different self-determination groups, the conference advised it to endeavour to deal with the different sections of the country on the basis of fairness, equity and justice.

The Editors added: “There is need for government to ensure that its policies and actions are sensitive to the multi ethnic and religious makeup of the country.

“Government needs to commit more resources to education, healthcare and tackle the rising costs of food and other social services.”

The conference, which had no fewer than 350 editors in attendance, was chaired by a veteran journalist, Ray Ekpu, with the Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Malam Mele Kolo Kyari, as Special Guest of Honour, and the President, Newspapers Proprietors of Nigeria, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, as Guest of Honour.

The conference also featured other guests, including Yahaya Bello, Governor of Kogi State; Nasir El Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, srepresented by his Special Adviser on Inter Governmental Affairs, Hajia Hannatu Dalhat; and Adegboyega Oyetola, Governor of State of Osun, srepresented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Prince Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo.

A major highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the book chronicling 60 years of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, titled: “Uneven Steps: The Story Of The Nigerian Guild of Editors,” written by Lanre Idowu.

It was reviewed by James Akpandem James.

The two-day conference ended with a 60th anniversary dinner, which featured the induction of eight new Fellows and 13 new Members.

October 25, 2021
NGE Congratulates Its Ex-President On Appointment As NNPC’s Spokesman

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has congratulated one of its former Presidents, Garba Deen Mohammed, on his appointment as the Group General Manager (Public Affairs) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

In a press statement signed on Thursday by its President, Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the umbrella of all the editors in Nigeria, said that Garba Deen is eminently qualified for the position, considering his experience both in the media and the oil/gas sector.

‘’We commend the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva and the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, for making the right choice.

‘’Garba Deen’s appointment comes at a time the NNPC is undergoing a transition following the signing into law of the Petroleum Industry Bill by President Muhammadu Buhari’’, the NGE stated.

While thanking the outgoing NNPC’s spokesperson, Dr Kennie Obateru, for his excellent relationship with the Guild – during his tenure, the editors said they look forward to working with Garba Deen to deliver on his onerous assignment.

August 19, 2021
NGE Expresses Concern Over Growing Insecurity In Nigeria

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the country and advised government at all levels to activate their structures in tackling the challenges.

The umbrella of all editors in Nigeria also said that an enabling political and economic environment for the media to discharge their constitutional and social responsibilities is essential in guaranteeing and sustaining democratic space, sustainable development, providing incentives for social/democratic change, advocating respect for human rights, shaping development policies and overseeing their implementation.

The Guild, which stated this in a communique issued and signed by Mr. Mustapha Isah and Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the President and the General Secretary respectively, at the end of its 2021 Biennial Convention in Kano, called on the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, expunge, repeal or amend as may be appropriate, all existing obnoxious media laws in the country that are inimical to press freedom. While also urging editors and journalists to continue to subscribe to and uphold the journalism code of ethics – as developed by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO).

‘’The Guild observes the need for the Nigerian mass media to exercise their freedom to operate freely with a sense of responsibility. And considering the spikes in the levels of insecurity across the length and breadth of the country, it is high time for the media to set the agenda and lead the country’s drive to sustaining national cohesion.

‘’While observing Nigeria’s consistent deterioration in the Global Press Freedom Index since 2005, the Guild notes that it is worrisome that the slide is happening in a democracy, whereby the Guild has had cause in recent times to issue three press statements on the threats of closure and imposition of fines on some broadcast stations by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’’, the communique added.

The NGE strongly condemned the harassment and arrest of vendors in the South East for selling newspapers that carry story on agitators, describing the action as a subtle way of emasculating newspaper and put newspaper companies out of business as vendors may stop accepting and selling their publications.

The Guild noted the huge disruption the COVID-19 pandemic has created globally, saying that the disruption has also had negative effects on the Nigerian media industry, leading to significant drop in the media businesses’ revenues.

‘’For the media to respond to these challenges creatively, there is urgent need for the media managers to evolve diversification, designing of a dynamic management system, producing innovative contents, restructuring their production technologies and adapting new funding and business models.

‘’Considering that the role of information dissemination by the mass media is an essential public and social service, the Guild calls on government to consider mitigating the media’s operational costs and economic challenges by floating a national media subsidy regime, including tax holidays and waivers, lifting of license fees for the broadcast media and offsetting debts of government media agencies in the country’’, the Guild stated.

The Guild’s national convention, which attracted over 300 editors and media owners across the country also expressed concern over the prevalence and massive elevation of fake news, disinformation and propaganda due to the mishandlings of the social media platforms by negative persons.

The Guild therefore harped on the need for Nigeria’s media publics, particularly the youth whom the media must carry along, to use, decipher and rely on the conventional media for reliable and credible information in taking their decisions.

The safety of journalists also attracted the attention of the editors, calling on both the public and the private media operators to lift the media out of the current dangers by devising measures inclusive of guaranteed welfare and insurance schemes for the safety and security of journalists working for them.

The communique added, ‘’Against the backdrop of the assailing new media trends, the Guild highlights the essence of training and retraining of the Nigerian journalists to update their knowledge, skills and expertise of the profession – with a view to attaining the needed proficiency and competencies that are required to overcome the new media drifts that dragging journalism profession.’’

While commending Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State for keeping the state safe even in the midst of the prevailing insecurity in some parts of the country, the editors also appreciated the state government’s phenomenal drive of infrastructure development; as well as the state government’s determination to change Kano’s face to a modern city.

The Guild expressed appreciation to Governor Ganduje and members of the State Executive Council for providing the enabling environment for the national convention.

June 2, 2021
‘Intolerance at its peak,’ PDP, NGE, SERAP react to NBC’s sanction on Channels Television

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the opposition political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have condemned the sanctions imposed on Channels Television by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

NGE said it condemned in strong terms the threat issued to the television station by the NBC over an interview with the spokesperson of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mr. Emmanuel Powerful.

TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Powerful had featured on Channels programme “Politics Today” on Sunday April 25, 2021 , where he allegedly made inciting statements.

The NBC in the letter ordered the immediate suspension of the programme.

NGE, in a statement said: “Press freedom is threatened when media houses are made to operate in an atmosphere of fear.

“The Guild stands with Channels and will go to any length to defend press freedom in the country.

“The body of editors believes that the NBC is guilty of double standards because stations that carried Sheikh Gumi’s parley with terrorists in their camps, were not sanctioned by the commission.

“The NBC should jettison the practice of issuing threats to broadcast stations over matters that could easily be dealt with through dialogue.

“Democracy will be meaningless in Nigeria if press freedom is eroded.”

SERAP on its part urged the Federal Government and NBC to immediately reverse the suspension and fine on the television station.

SERAP in a statement by its deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare said: “The suspension of Channels Television is unconstitutional, illegal, arbitrary, and without any legal basis whatsoever. The government and NBC should immediately lift the suspension and reverse the fine. We will pursue appropriate legal action if the arbitrary, unconstitutional and illegal suspension and fine are not reversed within 48 hours.”

SERAP said further: “This action by the government and NBC is yet another example of Nigerian authorities’ push to silence independent media and voices.

The government and NBC should lift the suspension and uphold the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and international obligations to respect and protect freedom of expression and media freedom.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s main opposition party, PDP in its submission on described as draconian, the suspension and fine of N5 million slammed by NBC on Channels Television.

The PDP said without prejudice to the issues raised against Channels Television, the reported hasty clamp down, without the benefit of caution, was suggestive of intolerance and high-handedness by the regulatory body.

“Our party is worried that such disposition could be counter-productive and heighten the already tensed situation in our nation at this critical time.

“The PDP therefore urges the NBC to review the punitive measure on the media house as well as scale up system-friendly measure that will ensure best practices in information dissemination in our country”, the party said.

April 27, 2021