The 17the All Nigerian Editors Conference has called for healthy and harmonious collaboration between the media and the security agencies in the fight against insecurity across the country, saying the problem of insecurity was taking a huge toll on societal life and posting negative development indices in several areas.
The conference also said peace and development, which were germane to further advancement of Nigeria, could not thrive in times of crises, stating that governments at all levels had a huge responsibility to defend, protect and provide for its citizens
The conference put together by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and held between Thursday, October 21 and Friday, October 22, 2021, in Abuja, with the theme, “Media in Times of Crises: Resolving Conflict, Achieving Consensus,” however, came up with some resolutions.
A communique signed by NGE’s President, Mustapha Isah, and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, claimed the conference was attended by 350 editors, security chiefs, and other stakeholders, and that the prevalent insecurity challenges, which have seen terrorists, bandits, armed herdsmen and other criminal elements holding the nation to ransom as well as threaten its survival and development, have the potential to tear the country to shreds.
“The problem of insecurity confronting the country is taking a huge toll on societal life and posting negative development indices in several areas. That the insecurity crises stem from leadership failure that has bedevilled the country for many years.
“There are fears in some quarters that editors and media professionals seem to have taken sides in the raging crises. That journalists and security agents, who are first line responders to every flash points appear locked in mutual suspicion,” the statement stated.
While noting that journalists were often times impaired and harassed by security agents from carrying out their professional responsibilities, the conference said peace and development, which were germane to further advancement of Nigeria could not thrive in times of crises
The conference, therefore resolved that, “Governments at all levels have a responsibility to defend, protect and provide for its citizens. That agitations for self-determination, which are raging in the South-east, South-west and the South-south regions do not augur well for the unity of the country.
“The conference called for an end to raging insecurity so that citizens can conduct their normal lives in an atmosphere of peace and concord. That there’s need for healthy and harmonious collaboration between the media and the security agencies in the fight against insecurity. There is a need for security agents to appreciate the role of Journalists and media professionals and refrain from anything that will abridge it,” he said.
