Nigerian Guild of Editors punishes Journalist for publishing confidential DSS speech

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has suspended one of its members, Mr. Steve Osuji, for violating the “off the record” provision in the Code of Ethics for journalists in Nigeria.

In a statement on Friday by its President, Mr. Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild explained that there was an agreement that the keynote address delivered by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, at its 25th Biennial National Convention in Enugu, was off-record and not for publication.

However, despite this agreement, Mr. Osuji published an article based on the presentation on his social media platforms, breaching the Guild’s Code of Ethics on confidentiality.

The professional body described the act as serious misconduct and announced his suspension from the Guild for one year with immediate effect.

The NGE also apologised to the Director-General of the DSS and the institution he represents for the embarrassment caused by Osuji’s actions.