By Goodluck Ikiebe
The Nigerian Guild of Editors has begun a three day annual conference in Owerri, Imo State as the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has assured Nigerians of credible Electoral process and outcome in 2023 elections.
Governor Uzodinma gave the assurance while declaring open the 18th All Nigeria Editors Conference, ANEC, 2022 in Owerri, the state Capital.
He stated that the security agencies and Media have critical role to play in ensuring a credible, fair and peaceful electoral processes.
“With your pen, you can make 2023 elections a success or failure either by helping to heat up the polity or manage factual electoral reports.
Governor Uzodinma charged Editors to manage the facts towards achieving positive overall goal of the nation.
“Don’t publish unofficial results until it is released officially by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, otherwise, it’s an invitation to anarchy”, he added.
Earlier in a welcome speech, the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mustapha Isah, said the theme, 2023: Political Landscape, Credible Elections and Role of Editors”, was carefully chosen in view of the forthcoming 2023 general election.
“As Journalists, we cannot afford to shy away from interrogating our present political landscape and preparations for the elections considering the fact that we played a great role in the enthronement of the current democratic dispensation. It’s in our enlightened self interest to help nurture the baby which we made enormous sacrifices to midwife”, Mustapha explained.
He stated that the conference would examine all aspects of the 2023 elections, including the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Security before, during and after the polls, as well as the role of election observers.
“The most effective way to sustain the people’s interest in democracy is the conduct of free, fair and credible elections”.
Mustapha Isah noted that this partly explains why the media were in the forefront in the campaign for the passage of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“It is our hope that substantial compliance with the law will lead to credible elections. We are aware that most of our politicians are desperate and can do anything to circumvent the system just to win”,
“It’s our duty as Editors to expose anti-democratic elements planning to ensure that the people’s will doesn’t prevail” he advised.
The Guild President used the occasion to pay tribute to some members who died within the last conference.
Our Correspondent reports that over 400 Editors from Print, Electronic and Online Media are attending the conference in Imo state, which is the first to be hosted in the South East.
Other programmes lined up include executive session, Project Tour, Gala Nite and induction of new Members and Fellows.
