Guild of Editors expresses worry over spate of attacks

LAGOS—The Nigerian Guild of Editors has expressed worry over spate of incessant violent attacks on innocent Nigerians by armed groups in spite of many promises by the government.

The Guild, at the end its 2012 second quarter Standing Committee Meeting in Lagos examined the state of the nation especially in the areas of security and other burning national issues and expressed concern about the security situation and other issues of national importance.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting signed by its President, Gbenga Adefaye and General Secretary, Isaac Ighure, the editors called on all stakeholders at different levels, in the country, to step up security measures to improve the government’s responsibility to its citizens’ safety.

The NGE committee is particularly shocked at the unfortunate incident last week that saw one of its members, Steve Nwosu, the Editor of the Daily Sun, being shot and robbed in broad daylight on his way from the bank in Lagos and expressed hope that the security challenges in the country will be brought under control in no distant future.

According to the communique, “the Guild notes with satisfaction the Federal Government’s will to prosecute those so far indicted in the Fuel Subsidy regime abuse and urges diligent prosecution. Nigerians need to be assured that this time, the case will not go the way of previous anti-corruption cases. Justice must not only be done but be seen to have been done.

“The committee commends the peaceful conduct of the recent gubernatorial election in Edo state but urges the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to note the lapses in the polls and ensure they are not repeated in subsequent elections particularly during the Ondo governorship election slated for October 20, 2012.

“In all, the committee urges the federal government to improve on its policies to impact on the standard of living of the average Nigerian who still has to grapple with several basic existential problems like shelter and unemployment.”