The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has suspended one of its members, Mr. Steve Osuji, for violating the ‘off the record’ provision in the Code of Ethics for journalists in Nigeria.
In a press statement jointly signed by NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild stated that Osuji violated an agreement that the keynote address delivered by the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, at its 25th Biennial National Convention in Enugu, was off-the-record and not for publication.
The Guild said that despite anouncement of this agreement, “a senior journalist and member of the Guild, Mr. Steve Osuji, published an article based on the presentation on his social media platforms, breaching our Code of Ethics on confidentiality.”
The professional body said that it “takes this professional misconduct seriously, and has announced the suspension of Mr. Osuji from our professional body for one year, effective immediately.”
The NGE said it has co consequently apologised to the Director-General of the SSS and the institution he represents for the embarrassment caused by Mr. Osuji’s actions, while reaffirming its “commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ensuring that our members adhere to our code of ethics.”
The NGE, however, said that Osuji “will have the opportunity to appeal this decision.”
The Guild also restated its dedication “to promoting professional conduct and maintaining public trust in the media.”
Read Full Text Below:
NGE’s Official Press Statement
At the 25th Biennial National Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held in Enugu, a keynote address was delivered by the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, under the explicit agreement that his presentation was off-record and not for publication.
Despite this agreement, a senior journalist and member of the Guild, Mr. Steve Osuji, published an article based on the presentation on his social media platforms, breaching our Code of Ethics on confidentiality.
The NGE takes this professional misconduct seriously, and has announced the suspension of Mr. Osuji from our professional body, effective immediately.
Mr Osuji’s action doesn’t represent who we are – as members of a respected professional body in the media landscape.
Indeed, our investigation confirmed that Mr. Osuji’s actions compromised the integrity of our profession.
“Off record” conversations are a crucial aspect of journalistic practice, allowing sources to share sensitive information while maintaining confidentiality. A breach of such agreement undermines trust and can have serious consequences.
We apologize to the Director-General of the SSS and the institution he represents for the embarrassment caused by Mr. Osuji’s actions.
We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ensuring that our members adhere to our code of ethics. Mr. Osuji will have the opportunity to appeal this decision.
The NGE remains dedicated to promoting professional conduct and maintaining public trust in the media.
