Rid Journalism Of Quacks, Fake News, Akpabio Charges NGE

Senate president Godswill Akpabio has joined other well-wishers to congratulate the editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr Eze Anaba, on his election as the president, Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE).

He charged the Guild to embark on fundamental reforms by flushing out impostors and quacks, noting that such elements were the purveyors of fake news.

He also lauded the emergence of the editor, Nation’s Capital of Thisday Newspaper, Mr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, as general secretary and all other newly elected executive officers of the national media body, and extended his hands of fellowship to the new leadership of the Guild for a robust relationship towards peace and development of the country.

Akpabio described the emergence of Anaba as a testament to his dedication, commitment and professionalism while describing him as a square peg in a square hole.

He charged Anaba to bring to bear his reputation for attention to details, humility, excellence and innovativeness which has been his hallmark in the Vanguard Newspaper.

The Senate president in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, called for “renewed partnership between the media and the legislature in particular and the Federal Government (FG) led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in general to advance democratic governance in the country as well as make the Renewed Hope Agenda a reality for the generality of Nigerians.”

He stated that though the requirements of the new responsibilities are daunting, he is convinced that the new officers have what it takes to effectively and efficiently lead and take the organisation to higher heights.

Akpabio urged the new executive to work towards upholding the ethics of the journalism profession as well as using the vast powers of the media to support critical economic and social reforms being championed by President Tinubu for the overall benefit of Nigerians.

He specifically urged Anaba and the entire leadership of the NGE to lead the charge for the needed change in the journalism profession in the country with the aim of making it more responsive and development focused.

Akpabio said, “Your elevation came at a time the entire nation is desirous of a new thinking in the management of its affairs. I am confident that you are well-equipped to contribute to the realization of a new NGE, the journalism profession and Nigeria in general, during your tenure.”

He also urged the NGE to join hands with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other relevant stakeholders to rid the profession of quacks and fake news peddlers.