Reject politicians who engage in smear campaign, editors urge media

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has charged media practitioners to pay more attention to politicians who campaign on issues and shun those who smear their opponents or embark on negative campaign.

This was the resolution of its Standing Committee after its meeting at the weekend in which it discussed the 2019 general election, saying, the warning became necessary having noted with dismay, the emerging trend whereby political gladiators dwell on inanities and campaign of calumny.

Recognising their role in the election process, the editors advised journalists to abide by the Media Code on Election Coverage and ensure balanced reportage, fairness to all and professionalism especially during the electioneering period.

“In the same vein, the Independent National Electoral Commission should ensure that it conducts free, fair and credible elections and remember that its loyalty is to the nation only and not to any political party,” it stated.

The NGE decried the growing phenomenon of votes buying and reminded the electorate that it would not be in their interest to mortgage their future for immediate pecuniary gains.

It also reminded the politicians that elections should not be a do-or-die affair, as Nigeria’s survival is of paramount importance to all.

It appreciates Bauchi State government and the people for hosting the last quarterly meeting of the Standing Committee for 2018, and commended the state for the sustained infrastructure development it has embarked upon in the last three years.