Use media to promote peace, stability, Governor Ganduje tells editors

The governor spoke yesterday at the biennial convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Kano.

He implored the editors to use their media organisations to set an agenda that would focus public views and sentiments on a more peaceful resolution of the nation’s crises.

“If and only if we as a nation are interested in peace and harmony, we must reject hate propaganda machinery. In the main, this is a time editors should be conflict-sensitive about our nation.

“In other words, I have a feeling that the crossing of redlines by some media organisations in recent times has impacted on the nation’s unity, harmony and integration.

“Our brave, collective pursuit in uniting this nation underscores the fact that for as long as we have a common purpose, we will find no obstacle that would be big enough to stop us from marching on. The media and particularly our gatekeepers have a role to play in this regard,” Ganduje said. 

The governor also advised the editors to exercise their social responsibility powers to further unite Nigerians.

“Even if the governing authorities in Nigeria are encountering challenges in their strategy to develop the country, it is not enough to join in some fervent advocacy that seeks to beat the drums of war to break up this country.

“I would like to appeal to you, the gatekeepers, to note that there is already some groundswell of opinion which seems to be building some consensus on the expediency of restructuring the nation.

“That advocacy should not be confused with rebellious acts of some elements who would like to destabilise our great country. The media has a great role to play here in setting an agenda for nation-building.

“So, some ignorant and reckless commentators in your midst should be very careful in exercising freedom of speech at this time. Freedom can’t be exercised without some (social) responsibility.

“Freedom of the press and observance of press professional conduct are measured as indices of development in any country.”

“Based on my understanding, the Nigerian press is one of the freest, in global context but some obvious professional misconducts in the media have curiously become excessive, in this regard,” he added.