Nigerian Guild of Editors urges action on national challenges - ITREALMS

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... As economy, insecurity, education, media top list

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed profound concern over the escalating and multifaceted challenges facing the nation, reports ITREALMS.

This followed its Standing Committee Meeting in Owerri at the weekend with the Guild issuing a communiqué, calling for immediate and decisive action from the government on the economy, insecurity, governance, and the media industry.

Computer Guild mourns Gbolahan Awonuga, pioneer president, ICTLOCA - ITREALMS

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The Computer Guild of Nigeria (CGN) has expressed profound sorrow over the untimely death of Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga, the pionner President of the Association for Information and Communication Technology on Local Content (ICTLOCA) and the Executive Secretary of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). 

His demise, which occurred recently, has sent shockwaves through the technology and telecommunications sectors, leaving a significant void.

Protest: GOCOP condemns attacks on journalists by security agents, says act undemocratic - ITREALMS

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The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) condemns, in very strong terms, the serial attacks on journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest, describing the act as undemocratic and repressive.

GOCOP notes that journalists are partners in national development as well as critical stakeholders in the advancement of democracy and civil liberties and therefore deserve to be protected, and not suppressed as the security agents tried to do during the protest.

Eze Anaba emerges president, Guild of Editors - ITREALMS

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The Editor of Vanguard newspaper, Mr. Eze Anaba, has emerged the latest President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) at its National Biennial Convention in Owerri, capital of Imo State, reports ITREALMS.

This followed the polling of 250 votes by Anaba to defeat his opponent, Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi who got 81 votes. Anaba took over from Mr. Mustapha Isah.

Twitter suspension by FG is over-kill says Guild of Editors - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged the federal government to tread with caution and immediately reconsider the suspension of the operation of Twitter in Nigeria and seek other legitimate means of resolving its dispute with the company, reports ITREALMS.

NGE in a press statement available to ITREALMS and endorsed by the President, Mustapha Isah and General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, said that the Federal Government’s action has the unintended consequences of hindering free speech and  jeopardising the economic interests of many Nigerians who rely on the social media platform for vital information to make informed business decisions daily.

Guild promotes Isah to acting president, cautions FG against regulating social media - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has promoted its Vice President, West, Mr. Mustapha Isah to the post of acting president, to fill-in the gap created by the exit of the immediate past president, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, who was recently appointed the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, reports ITREALMS.

This is coming as NGE cautioned the Federal Government against regulating social media, describing it as inimical to the growth of press and defiles democratic tenets.

Announcing this development, the Standing Committee of NGE, ITREALMS gathered, had constituted itself into an Electoral College to effect the promotion and relaying on Article 13(4) of the Nigerian Guild of Editors Constitution.

Thus, they elected Mr. Mustapha Isah as Acting President of the Guild, to fill the vacant position of Mrs Funke Egbemode as President, upon her appointment and acceptance of offer as Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in Osun State.

The communique arising from the meeting personally endorsed by the acting president, Mr. Mustapha Isah and General Secretary, Mrs Mary Atolagbe, the Standing Committee also revealed it discussed the state of the nation and the media and took particular note of the ongoing plans by the Federal Government of Nigeria to ‘sanitise’ the Social Media space and thereby resolved as follows:

That the Federal Government should rescind the decision to regulate the Social Media, as such measure is in clear contravention of Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (As amended), which guarantees every Nigerian citizen the right to “freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

The Guild reminds the Federal Government of the dire consequences of similar attempts in the past to gag freedom of speech, as such initiatives were usually misconstrued by security agents and some public officials to harass, arrest and in most cases, illegally detain journalists and other Nigerians for holding their opinions.

Advising the Federal Government to seek ways to maximize social media to disseminate information on the activities and policies of government, rather than its current attempt to stifle it: the Guild urges the government to engage the founders and promoters of social media, namely: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter among others – to creatively find ways of sieving information disseminated through their respective channels, to curtail extremisms of violence and hate speech.

Recognising that Nigeria is already in the red zone of nations with very poor record of Press Freedom and Freedom of Speech, the Guild notes, for instance, that the 2019 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders places Nigeria in a distant 120th position among 180 nations under review. Also, in the 2019 Global Impunity Index published by the Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), which chronicles countries where criminal groups, politicians, government officials, and other powerful actors resort to violence to silence critical views, dissent and particularly the media, Nigeria ranks as high as the 12th position, sharing the top bracket with impunity-prone and conflict-riddled nations like Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Mexico, Pakistan etcetera.

Sadly, this is not a good profile and the Federal Government of Nigeria should not take further actions that would add to this unpleasant tar on the nation by seeking to ‘sanitise’ Social Media but, should rather build bridges and collaborations with the Nigerian media and promoters of social media. Such synergy and partnership in an Information Age, is the best way to make the most of the advantages of social media which far outweigh any perceived disadvantages.

The Guild notes that Nigeria has enough extant laws, including the Cyber Crime Act 2015, to deal with issues of ‘hate speech’ and ‘Fake News’. It urges the government to test such laws in the courts of competent jurisdictions in accordance with due process of the law rather than create another legal instrument and atmosphere that would give agents of state the latitude to harass and criminalise citizens especially journalists.

The Guild observes that in most cases, it is the officials of governments at all levels that push out Fake News and hate speech by their words and actions; stressing that it behoves government actors to check their actions and utterances.

The Guild uses this opportunity to call on government and security agencies to release forthwith all journalists being detained nationwide, as their continued detention run contrary to the grains of the Constitution.

Further, the Guild congratulated Mrs Egbemode on her appointment and wished her well.





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Guild urges Senate to consign NPC bill 2018 to dustbin - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has told the Senate to consign the bill attempting to amend the Nigerian Press Council Act of 1992 to the dustbin reports ITRealms.

According to the Guild after the Standing Committee session at the weekend discussed the state of the nation and the media and took particular note of the Nigerian Press Council Act 1992 (Repeal and Enactment Bill 2018) which is currently before the Senate and has passed second reading.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors, which met at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, vehemently condemns the bill which seeks to criminalise journalists and journalism practice, takes away the power of the law courts and usurps the constitutional duties of academic institutions and regulatory agencies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The Guild observes that those behind this bill have been unrelenting in their quest to cage the media under different guises, as the bill has come up under different administrations since 1961. This bill bears semblance of obnoxious Decree 4 of 1984 and Decree 43 of 1993.

The Guild is piqued that the Senate could bring such a bill to the fore in spite of a subsisting court case on the same subject without minding that it is subjudice.

In a communique endorsed by President , Funke Egbemode  and General Secretary, Victoria Ibanga, the Guild frowned at the attempt by the promoters of the bill to arrogate to the council the powers to decide which training institutions and professional qualifications attained there from, should be acceptable for journalism practice in Nigeria. This clearly abrogates the mandates of relevant accrediting bodies.

The Guild wonders why the sponsors of this bill are fixated on muzzling the press using draconian laws which are clearly targeted at making the watchdog toothless. Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, are clear on the role of the media.

The Guild perceives this bill as provocative, primitive, anti-people and anti-press freedom at a time when advocacy for free press is gaining stridency across the world.

It is noteworthy that there is nothing in this bill that shows how the council intends to create an enabling environment for the media to thrive as it is the case in other sectors of the economy. This is particularly galling at a time the media industry is in dire straits.

The sponsors of this bill are clearly undemocratic and appear to suffer illusion of grandeur. They seemed to be totally oblivious of the fact that the media houses are businesses set up with investments apart from being the fourth estate of the realm.

The Guild condemns the bill in its entirety and will never nominate any of its members to serve in a council that seeks to cage the media, destroy the profession and criminalise journalists.

Indeed, it is the opinion of the Guild that this bill should be consigned to the dustbin where it rightly belongs.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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2019: Computer Guild berates Communication Minister

ITREALMS:

The Computer Guild of Nigeria (CGN) has berated the Minister of Communication, Barr. Adebayo Shittu over the distribution of campaign cap during the country’s NEC meeting where they were to discuss crucial national issues, reports ITRealms.

National President of the Guild, Mr. Wole Adedoyin expressed this displeasure during the guild’s January meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, describing the Minister’s action  and performance as disgrace to the entire communication industry in Nigeria.

Mr. Adedoyin who is also the Coordinator of Information Technology Writers Association of Nigeria (ITWAN) described Shittu’s behavior as unethical and unpatriotic.

“Barrister Shittu should have his head examined. His unruly behavior during the NEC meeting shows how he handles the ministry”.

“We have said it many times that Barr. Shittu is not competent and efficient to handle the ministry," he said. 

Insisting that the Minister should be given another portfolio. Ministry of Communication is a wrong place for him to be. We are begging President Mohammadu Buhari to please put him to where he belongs before the worst occur," Adedoyin submitted.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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Guild of Editors warn FG, Nigerian Army over dark days, assault on presss

ITRealms:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has warned the Federal Government and the Army precisely to desist from any actios capable of reminding Nigerians of her dark days, reports ITRealms.

Reacting at the weekend to the recent raid, arrest and detention of the publisher of Premium Times, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, and his colleague, Ms Evelyn Okakwu, NGE described it as unwarranted assault on the freedom of the press and undue interference.

ITRealms recalls that Mr. Olorunyomi, Publisher of Premium Times, and Ms. Okawu, a Judiciary correspondent of the publication were arrested by the Nigeria Police in Abuja on Thursday, January 19, 2017, in connection with a report that the Nigerian Army considered offensive and libellous, but were later released.

The Guild of Editors in a press statement, made available to ITRealms and signed by its President and General Secretary, Messrs Funke Egbemode and Victoria Ibanga respectively, noted that the Guild is reliably informed that the police were acting on a criminal complaint filed by Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff, who alleged that Premium Times had defamed him by its coverage of military operations against Boko Haram.

However, the NGE said its concerned about the growing clampdown, intimidation and frequent harassment of journalists by the police and other law enforcement agencies in the course of doing their lawful jobs and expressed its displeasure and disappointment over the conduct of the officers concerned who are supposed to protect them from harm at all times.

“It is important to let overzealous security agencies know that harassment of media practitioners is inappropriate and capable of creating tension in an already tensed nation. It is an unkind reminder of the dark days of military rule, which witnessed concerted efforts to gag the press through unlawful detention of journalists without trial. Wielding the big stick and raiding newsrooms at will in a democratic setting are conducts of poor judgment and sad ways of reminding Nigerians of those days they would rather forget,” the NGE said.

They reminded all security agencies that what ought to exist between the media and security is a symbiotic relationship that would promote peace and help both parties do their jobs effectively. This country belongs to all of us and we all must work hard to protect the integrity, peaceful co-existence and all that binds us together as one entity.

The NGE, the duo said, is aware of the enormous responsibilities and functions of the media as an institution and would like to note that media practitioners are not above the law. Media practice is guided by rules and regulations and laws. There are options for any aggrieved person to seek redress if a media practitioner offends and libels him or her. Arrest and detention never end well. They only lead to strained relationship.

“It is important to tread cautiously and nurture Nigeria’s democracy for the benefit of all. Journalists should not be subjected to inhuman treatment for exercising their Constitutional right to freedom of expression and doing their jobs,” the Guild insisted.

And thanked all those who caused the release of the affected journalists, stressing that as law-abiding citizens of Nigeria, “we will continue to defend our democracy within the confines of what is right and legal and we implore all media practitioners in the country to continue to emphasize those things that unite us rather than things that divide us.”

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Nigerian Guild of Editors confirms Funke Egbemode as president

ITRealms:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Friday confirmed Mrs Funke Egbemode as its latest President after she acted in that capacity for close to one year, reports ITRealms.

This followed the appointments of some leadership of the guild including the Malam Garba Deen Mohammed who is current the General Manager, Corporate Affairs at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and has to relinquish his position as President of Guild after taking over from Femi Adesina, the incumbent Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Mohammadu Buhari.

Mrs. Egbemode who is the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of New Telegraph Newspaper was confirmed at the ongoing 12th All Nigerian Editors Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Friday as contained in the agenda.

In her acceptance speech, she commended the guild for confirming her as the substantive president without any counter motion.

She pledged to ensure that every member is carried along and urged members to continue to act in a manner that will unite and uplight NGE.

ITRealms recalls that Mrs. Egbemode is the second female president of the NGE after late Mrs. Remi Oyo.

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Pix: Mrs. Egbemode, NGE president

Speaker Dogara calls on GOCOP to fight corruption

 ITRealms:

The Speaker, Nigeria House of Representatives, Hon. Dogara Yakubu, has called on the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) to assist government in its fight against corruption in Nigeria, ITRealms reports.

The Speaker who was represented by Hon. Abdulrasaq Namdzi from Adamawa at the formal launch of GOCOP at Eko Hotel & Suites Lagos, said the fight against corruption is what the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari sees as his priority, saying that those at the hallowed chamber would work with the group to get the best for the nation.

He recalled the initial pessimism over the emergence of online publishing as to whether it would survive or not in the presence of traditional media saying that it is commendable that today the two platforms are growing in leaps and bounds.

ITRealms also reports that the lawmaker urged GOCOP to maximize the potential of online publishing to partner with government and beam their searchlight on corrupt members of the public, saying the association is capable of checkmating corruption in Nigeria.

The lawmaker pointed out that what matters in lawmaking is the quality of the law which is a product of thorough research, added that they will also assist the group in supporting the business aspect of online publishing.

ITRealms equally reports that GOCOP president, Malachy Agbo who had earlier welcomed members and guests to the event, emphasized the crucial role of the media in information dissemination, revealing that acceptance of online publishing in Nigeria of today has become massive, advising people with the passion to go online.

Agbo also stated that part of the reason for the formation of GOCOP was to ensure self cleansing in order to bring credibility to the platform, even as he admitted that self sanitization is always a difficult task.

“With the Cyber law signed into law at the twilight of the past administration GOCOP is well position to succeed in its operation,” he declared.

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE

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Nigerian Guild of Editors elects Adesina for 2nd term

ITRealms:

... Victoria Ibanga emerges Gen. Sec.

Above: members of newly elected Nigerian Guild of Editors EXCO taking their oath of office.
Below: Vice President elect Prof Yomi Osubanjo giving his goodwill message to the guild on behalf of President elect Gen. Muhammed Buhari.

A new leadership has emerged at the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) with the incumbent president, Mr Femi Adesina returning to lead the guild for the next two years, reports ITRealms.

This was the out come of the general election at the 2015 biennial convention held at the Airport Hotels Ikeja Lagos, today, Saturday April 25, this year.

Announcing the result, the Election Committee lead by its chairman Mr Stanley Egbochuku confirmed to ITRealms that Mr. Garba Deen Muhammed, Vice President North is Suleiman Uba Gaya, Vice President West Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Vice President East Mr. Fred Fabor.

Also, Mrs. Victoria Ibanga was elected as the General Secretary, Ms Mary Yinka Atolagbe became the Assist General Secretary, Ogbang Akwaji is the Treasurer, Funke Egbemode emerged the Social Secretary.

Equally they listed the seven-man member of the Standing Committee elected to include Sabastine Abu and Sani ADAMU for North, Ken Njoku and Juliet Njiowhor, while Mr. Ray Echeberi,  Ken Ugbechie and Austeen Elewodalu came in from the West.

They were later sworn in by the chairperson of the convention, Mrs Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo after extending a congratulatory message to the new executive of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

+Remmy Nweke (ITRealms) 

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