By George Onah
Port Harcourt— Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has praised Nigerian Journalists for speaking out for the people and their doggedness in the struggle to enthrone democratic governance in the country.

Amaechi, who spoke at a Gala nite to mark the end of Nigerian Guild of Editors Conference in Port Harcourt, said, “despite the risks undertaken by journalists to have a democratic dispensation, they are not beneficiaries of the struggle.

“Journalists are men and women who keep us on our toes. Nigerians will continue to remember you and thank you for our hard won democracy. You spoke the minds of the people at a time nobody dared to speak, yet you are not the beneficiaries of the struggle.”

He  urged media practitioners to continue to draw attention to things not done right in the performance of their sacred duty as the conscience of the society. He also lamented the existence of quacks in the profession.

The Governor, who supported the call for merger of some newspapers to make them stronger, observed that the proliferation of newspapers has positive contribution to the society,  as it has created employment for many. “What happens when more newspapers are established is that they create a voice for the oppressed, down trodden and make their views known.”

He decried a situation where most newspapers publish virtually the same stories,  centering on government activities.

On his part, President of the World Editors Forum, WEF, Mr Bertrand Perquerie said the journalism profession demands a lot of sacrifice from practitioners and advised newspaper owners to seek collaboration and partnership to strengthen their publication.

Perquerie said this will help meet international standard. He added that  the interest of those not literate in English language should be considered in the newspapers by writing in local languages.

President of the Nigeria Guild of Editor, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, said the conference was a huge success and commended the Rivers State Governor for the support.