By Steve Oko & Elizabeth Osayande
THE International Press Institute, IPI, Nigeria, governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, have congratulated the Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. eze Anaba, on his election as president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE.
In its congratulatory message signed by the Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, yesterday, the IPI stated: ”We wish to congratulate you on your well-deserved victory as President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE.
”We also congratulate others who emerged as officers from the NGE’s Biennial Convention held in Owerri, Imo State.
”However, we hasten to remind you and other elected officers of the enormous responsibility that comes with your victory.
”Journalism in Nigeria today is beset with several challenges. It is becoming difficult for journalists to fulfill their constitutionally imposed duties.
”The task of holding government accountable is threatened by lack of accountability by media organisations. Your election could not have come at a better time.
”Your decades of experience and rich network put you in good stead to steer the affairs of the NGE in the right direction.
”We are, therefore, confident that you will bring your wealth of experience to bear in this regard.
”IPI Nigeria pledges its readiness to work with your team to promote ethical standards in journalism practice in Nigeria, and many other measures that could help to strengthen the nation’s democracy.”
In his congratulatory message, governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, described Anaba’s emergence as “an eloquent testimony to his leadership qualities and a demonstration of confidence his colleagues reposed in him This is evident in the overwhelming number of votes that won you the victory.’
Otti said, “The people of Abia State are, indeed, glad to have you as one of their illustrious sons and hope that you will use your new office to work towards the realisation of their dream of a progressive and prosperous Abia.
“It is our prayer that your tenure will see to the continued strengthening of the Guild, work to promote the welfare, well-being and rights of journalists in Nigeria as well as ensure that practitioners continue to imbibe the ethics of the noble profession of journalism.”
Otti also congratulated the entire Guild and the organising committee of the convention, “for holding a free, fair and peaceful election that has now brought about the new leadership.”
Former Akwa Ibom State governor, Obong Victor Attah, in his message, said: ”Your election is honour well deserved. And I have no doubt you will justify the trust of all Nigerians in your new role”
Source: Vanguard