Guild of Editors condemns spate of political intolerance, pre-election violence

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the spate of political intolerance and pre-election violence in the country and bemoaned the near passivity of security operatives in proactively policing and actual apprehension of culprits.

The guild also Commended the National Assembly for passing the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill and urged the Harmonisation Committee of both chambers of the Assembly to expedite action in producing a clean copy of the Bill.

A communique issued at the end of the Standing Committee meeting of the guild held in Abuja on March 28, 2011 and signed by its President, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye and General Secretary, Mr. Isaac Ighure,read:

“The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held its Standing Committee meeting on  March 28, 2011, in Abuja. The meeting offered the editors an opportunity to review the passage of the FOI bill the National Assembly and previewed the preparations for  the April general elections. At the end of the meeting, the NGE:

*Condemned the spate of political intolerance and pre-election violence in the country and bemoaned the near passivity of security operatives in proactively policing and actual apprehension of culprits.

*Maintained that fair, credible, responsible, accountable voting and election remain the irreducible minimum for the April 2011, elections. It stressed that the elections should be peaceful, transparent and credible and be a reference point for subsequent elections in the country.

*Enjoined the media to employ all their abilities, including the new media to capture the entire electoral process while working within the limits of Electoral Act 2011.

*Advised INEC to deliver on its promise for free, fair and credible elections.

*Commended the National Assembly for passing the FOI bill and urged the Harmonisation Committee of both chambers of the Assembly to expedite action in producing a clean copy of the Bill by, among other things, expunging the section which makes it mandatory for journalists to disclose their sources of Information – such action will breach confidentiality.

*Expressed confidence that the Bill will receive the President’s immediate and swift attention and assent.

*Supported the strengthening of the Institutions of government, such as the Legislature and Judiciary in order to deepen the nation’s democracy through robust checks and balances.