Nigeria’s editors decry state of insecurity

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Sunday urged all stakeholders at different levels in the country to step up security measures, so as to improve government’s responsibility for the safety of its citizens.

According to a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Guild, held in Lagos on 27 July, and jointly signed by its President, Mr Gbenga Adefaye and Secretary, Mr Isaac Ighure, the Guild said it was particularly shocked at the unfortunate incident involving one of its members, Mr Steve Nwosu, Editor of the Daily Sun.

The Editor, according to the communiqué, was shot and robbed in daylight, on his way from the bank in Lagos.

The NGE also said it was worried that in spite of many promises to the nation, the spate of incessant violent attacks on innocent Nigerians by armed groups has yet to abate.

It, however, noted with satisfaction the Federal Government’s will to prosecute those so far indicted in the abuse of the Fuel Subsidy regime and urged a diligent prosecution of the matter.

“Nigerians need to be assured that this time, the case will not go the way of previous anti-corruption cases.

“Justice must not only be done, but be seen to have been done,” the communiqué said.

The Guild also commended the peaceful conduct of the recent gubernatorial election in Edo, but urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to note the lapses in the polls.

It said that only such would ensure that the lapses were not repeated in subsequent elections, particularly during the Ondo governorship election slated for Oct. 20.

The Guild finally urged the Federal Government to improve on its policies, so as to to impact on the standard of living of the average Nigerian.

It noted that most Nigerians were daily grappling with several basic existential problems like shelter and unemployment.