President Bola Tinubu has urged the media to fulfill its constitutional duty of holding the government accountable, while also congratulating Mr. Eze Anaba, the new President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and other elected officials of the professional body.
In a statement titled "As journalism marches on in the service of Nigeria," issued by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, President Tinubu hailed the recent Biennial Convention of the NGE as a significant milestone in the evolution of journalism in the country.
President Tinubu emphasized that the peaceful election conducted by the NGE sends a clear message to Nigerian society that elections can be held peacefully without bitterness and unnecessary conflicts. He called on the media to intensify its constitutional responsibility of holding the government accountable to the citizens. Furthermore, President Tinubu expressed his commitment to collaborating with the press in realizing the noble goals of national development.
President Tinubu extended his congratulations to Mr. Eze Anaba, the newly elected President of the Guild and Editor of the Vanguard newspaper. He also wished the newly elected officials of the NGE a productive and fulfilling tenure in office.
The statement applauded the NGE for conducting elections in a peaceful and harmonious manner, highlighting that it sets an example for the rest of Nigeria's political landscape. President Tinubu commended those who gracefully accepted defeat in the elections, such as Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, and pledged their support to the winners.
The statement underscored the importance of internal democracy within unions in the newspaper industry, including the NGE, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Newspapers Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN), as a means to uphold professional integrity and contribute to good governance, stability, and sustainable development in Nigeria. President Tinubu lauded the NGE for being a worthy exemplar in this regard.
President Tinubu emphasized that the purpose of holding elections within journalism unions is not merely for the sake of it but to position the profession to fulfill its constitutional obligation of serving as a watchdog of the people, checking government excesses, and promoting the well-being of the Nigerian population. He acknowledged the historical role of the press in opposing military dictatorship and specifically highlighted its opposition to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola.
President Tinubu acknowledged that the challenges facing the media in its role of strengthening Nigeria's democracy, holding power accountable, and promoting responsible governance are greater than ever. He assured his administration's support and collaboration with the media to achieve these lofty objectives in the best interest of the country.
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