Ahead of 2023, editors resolve to put political actors on toes

Advise candidates to embrace issue-based campaigns
Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has said the media has a greater stake in promoting the cause of democracy, since its survival, growth and development are intrinsically linked to its sustenance. It, therefore, has a huge responsibility to put political actors on their toes.

In the face of growing divisive tendencies by state and non-state actors, the umbrella of all editors in Nigeria also advised the media to arrest this drift and prevent the nation from being torn to shreds.

These were contained in a communique of the 18th All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), with the theme: ‘Political Landscape, Credible Elections and the Role of Editors’, held in Owerri, Imo State, between November 9 and 13, 2022.

The communique was signed by NGE President, Mustapha Isah, and General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren.

A total of 320 editors, representing print, broadcast and online media across the country, attended the conference.

Noting that the media has a responsibility to ensure political actors abide by issue-based campaigns, the editors said there is urgent need by the media to downplay reports that tend to exacerbate divisive tendencies, as part of the process of promoting integration of the different peoples of Nigeria.

“The media should unequivocally set the agenda of discourse to prevent mischief makers from holding sway. Journalists must ensure that those who seek to lead the people, at different levels, are properly grilled, to present people with informed choices.

“The media, more than any other institutions in the country, is equipped to check the drift towards insanity. It has a responsibility to put political actors on their toes and ensure actors abide by issue-based campaigns,” the communique stated.

The editors said because the media has always been at the heart of the struggle for sustainable democracy, it must ensure it raises the level of political discourse, and guide people to make informed choices as the 2023 general election draws near.

On the security situation in the country, the conference noted that security agencies should see the media as partners and not adversaries in the anti-terror war; appreciate the work of journalists; and eschew intimidation, harassment and other acts that impede the work of the media.

The conference stated: “The media needs to strike a partnership with security agencies on the anti-terror war. The media needs to exercise its immense influential power and agenda setting role with a huge dose of responsibility and commitment to the national interest.”

The conference also enjoined the media to check the increasing resort to fake news, which has the tendency to cause panic, despair and unnecessary stoking of anger.

As the elections draw near, the editors noted the introduction of technology and the ushering in of Electoral Act 2022, which have armed Independent National Electoral Commission to deliver better outcomes, advising the electoral body to resist undue influence and intimidation from the political class.

The conference commended Office of the National Security Adviser for promoting a more congenial atmosphere for media engagement and expressed profound gratitude to the Imo State Government and the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma for hosting the conference.