The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), rising from its second quarterly meeting, has called for restraint and tolerance among Nigerians, stressing that the country remains stronger together while condemning the hate speeches and other vices emanating from different sections of the country.
Editors and journalists as major stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, the Guild reminded the hate agents, fought for the enthronement of the current democratic dispensation, with some paying the supreme price, to birth a constitutional government.
The Guild noted and condemned the overzealousness of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other security agencies against the media reminding them that at all times, duties come with deep responsibilities that must be upheld.
The Guild noted that those sowing seeds of discord should realise that they are not just destroying the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers but the progress that has been made over the years as a nation reminding them that their actions have the capacity to alter the destiny of Nigeria negatively.
It regretted that elders from different parts of the country kept quiet for too long allowing the youths to take over the socio-political space and bring the nation to the present situation. It therefore urged the elders across the country to always take keen interest in the affairs of the nation, rather than play the ostrich.
Urging Nigerians to ignore those agitating for the dismemberment of the country the Guild asked them to go about their businesses without fear or let, and focus more on repositioning the country for present and future generations while appreciating the firm and decisive intervention of the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, which it said has calmed the situation and urged the government to do more.
The Guild noted that although the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has been issued orders to his men to arrest those seeking to dismember Nigeria, it said it is worried that no commensurate action has been taken. It urged the Police to be more responsive and pragmatic.
While commending the Nigeria Police Force for the arrest of the kidnap kingpin, Chukwudi Dumeme Onuamadike and other kidnappers, the Guild urged the police to do more to ensure the release of the abducted pupils of Igbonla Model College, Epe in Lagos State, who have not been rescued.
