COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS (NGE) HELD IN BAUCHI ON DECEMBER 15, 2018.
The Standing Committee discussed among other issues, the forthcoming 2019 general elections and resolved as follows:
Having noted with dismay, the emerging trend of dwelling on inanities and calumny, the Nigerian Guild of Editors enjoins the media to pay more attention to politicians who campaign on issues and shun those who smear their opponents or embark on negative campaign.
Recognising their pivotal role in the election process, the Guild advises journalists to abide by the Media Code on Election Coverage and ensure balanced reportage, fairness to all and display a high sense of professionalism especially at this time.
In the same vein, the Independent National Electoral Commission should ensure it conducts free, fair and credible elections and remember that its loyalty is to the nation only and not to any political party.
The Guild decries the growing phenomenon of vote-buying and reminds the electorate that it would not be in their interest to mortgage their future for immediate pecuniary gains. It also reminds the politicians that election is not a do- or-die affair as the survival of the country is of paramount importance to all.
The Guild appreciates the government and people of Bauchi state for hosting the last quarterly meeting of the Standing Committee for 2018 while commending it for the sustained infrastructural development it has embarked upon in the last three years.
