NGE Tasks Political Parties On Foi-Bill

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on political parties seeking power in the April elections to incorporate the pursuit of passage of the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) in their manifestoes.

The charge was part of a six-point communiqué issued at the end of its biennial convention held in Lagos earlier in the week.

Lamenting the failure of the National Assembly in pushing for the passage of the FOI Bill, the body noted that a decade after the bill was introduced, the federal lawmakers have failed to demonstrate openess in governance and democracy.

It therefore tasked political parties to include the bill in their manifestoes, if indeed they are committed to a transparent, accountable government and development of the country.

The body called on editors to set national agenda by avoiding divisive issues capable of retarding the growth of the country through mobilisation of the people for positive development such as the current voters registration.

As the watchdogs of the society, the editors emphasised the need for the mass media to continue to scrutinise public policies by always providing solutions to bad ones.

The Guild further tasked the mass media to explore partnership with relevant stakeholders in providing adequate awareness on checking the menace of ailments such as cancer, HIV/AIDS.

In his address at the convention, the president of the body, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye hinted of plans to resuscitate the Nigerian Press Organisation, comprising of the Guild, Newspapers Proprietors, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria and Union of Journalists.

Mr. Adefaye observed that there was need for synergy amongst the media bodies towards advancing the cause and business of journalism.

The NGE President spoke of the need for capacity building in the media industry, while expressing hope that the proposed Centre of Excellence at the School of Communication at the Lagos Business School Pan African University will come on stream and members to take advantage of the opportunities.

Moreover, the NGE elected new officials to oversee its affairs in the next two years, as Mr. Adefaye was elected for a second term in office.

Other members of the new exco Hajia Aishatu Sule as Deputy President, Mallam Ahmed Shekarau as Vice President North, while Mrs. Funke Egbemode was elected as Vice President West.

Mr. Victor Agosiobu emerged the Vice President of the NGE for the East as Isaac Ighwre became the General Secretary of the body. Steve Ayorinde became the Assistant Secretary, while Abdulhamid Majia emerged the Treasurer.

Mr. Sam Egbala was elected to serve as the Social and Publicity Secretary with other standing committee members; as the body adopted a new constitution to govern its affairs.