NGE President: Tinubu, governments, and others applaud Eze Anaba's ascension

The election of Mr. Eze Anaba, Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, as President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, yesterday was hailed as a success for the country by President Bola Tinubu, governors, other distinguished Nigerians, and pressure organizations.

They claimed that Anaba's media expertise would help the Guild's cause and journalism in general.

Anaba defeated Bolaji Adebiyi of Thisday Newspapers with 250 votes in the NGE Biennial Convention in 2023 in Owerri. Adebiyi received 81 votes.

He served as the Guild's Social and Publicity Secretary prior to his appearance.

Among those who congratulated Anaba were Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State.

Others include Temi Harriman, a former member of the House of Representatives, Mustapha Isah, Adebiyin, and the Ndigboamaka Progressives Market Association.

Tinubu praised Anaba for winning and called the election a turning point in Nigerian journalism.

According to him, the election's peaceful conduct conveyed a strong message to Nigeria's larger political community that elections for sought posts may be fiercely contested without becoming sour and pointless animosity.

This was said by President Tinubu in a statement made by Mr. Dele Alake, his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy.

Democratic society

The recent Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) was a historic turning point in the development of the Nigerian journalism industry, according to the statement. It is extremely satisfying that the outcome was successful and without animosity despite the ferocity of the competition for the various posts that were up for election. The event saw the election of new Guild officials to manage the organization's business for the following two years.

I congratulate Mr. Eze Anamba, Editor of the Vanguard Newspapers, on being elected President of the Guild on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), and I wish him and the other newly elected officials of the guild a very fruitful and fulfilling term in office.

The NGE has delivered a strong message to the greater Nigerian society that elections for coveted offices may be fiercely contested without degenerating into bitterness, acrimony, and unnecessary malice by conducting polls to elect its new executives in a calm and rancour-free manner.

Democratic society

"In this regard, Mr. President commends those who came up short in the elections at different levels, including Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi of ThisDay newspaper, for accepting the results and promising support for the victorious candidates. The NGE is shining a light so that the rest of us might discover the path to a developed, tolerant, stable, and lasting democratic culture.

It is crucial that the various newspaper industry unions, including the NGE, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), adopt the internal democratic ethos in support of professional integrity for the sake of good governance, stability, and sustainable development in Nigeria. In this sense, the NGE has presented a solid case for the Nigerian media as a deserving example. However, elections aren't simply held inside our profession's unions to choose new associational leaders for the purpose of conducting elections. The bigger picture is to make sure that we always put the profession in a strong position to fulfill its constitutional duty of acting as a watchdog of the people, reining in government excesses, and advancing the greatest good of the greatest number of our citizens.

Imperialism

Since its pivotal role in the fight against colonial imperialism, "the history of the Nigerian media has been intricately entwined with the fate of the Nigerian state and her peoples. In post-colonial Nigeria, the media actively participated in the fight against military dictatorship, and this opposition to autocracy was best exemplified by the fierce resistance of patriotic media professionals to the annulment of the presidential election of June 12, 1993, which was won by the late Chief MKO Abiola. Without highlighting the valiant contributions of the media's patriotic wing, it is impossible to capture the history of the democratic gains we have experienced since the start of this dispensation in 1999.

However, President Tinubu maintains that the obstacles facing the media in fulfilling its duty in advancing our democracy, maintaining a constant check on power, and encouraging good, responsible, and accountable administration are higher than those already faced. He promises that his government will work with the media and support him in attaining these challenging goals for the good of our nation.

His notable contributions to journalism include:Oborevwori

Governor Oborevwori praised the convention's topic, "Post- 2023 election: Promoting Professionalism for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance," in a statement released by his chief press secretary, Mr. Festus Ahon.

He claimed that the focus was appropriate for improving democracy and responsible leadership by both national and local governments.

Oborevwori stated that because of Anaba's substantial achievements to journalism, Guild members should be commended for choosing him as President.

His leadership will benefit journalism development — Fubara

In a statement issued on his behalf, Fubara said that the establishment of Anaba will advance media growth and improve social cohesion in Nigeria.

In his own words, "I pray, without a shadow of a doubt, that Anaba will use his new position as President of the guild to promote social harmony and the development of our nation. For electing a man of Anaba's calibre, seasoned journalist and professional with enormous experience."

The governor further exhorted NGE members to put the country's interests first at all times by upholding truth and justice.

Anaba is devoted to promoting press freedom — Eno

Similar to this, Governor Eno expressed confidence that Anaba would support press freedom in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Ekerete Udoh.

He said, "I am thrilled with your resounding success, which is evidence of the confidence and skill that your peers and colleagues place in you.

Your stated intention to support press freedom and unbiased reporting gives us hope, and we are prepared to collaborate with you and your Executive Committee to advance the cause of journalism in Nige I congratulate you once more on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State government and people.

Isah: He's a good man.

Isah called Anaba a decent man and urged NGE members to embrace the Guild's new leadership.

In his own words: "I want to express my gratitude to the illustrious NGE members for their affection and support shown to me while I served as your President. The modest successes we noted were made possible thanks to your help.

It was a privilege for you to choose me to serve you, and I will always be grateful.

Adebiyi admitted defeat and wished Anaba well in his new position.

"I have received the results of the presidential election, and I congratulate Eze Anaba on winning," he remarked. I hope his term is fruitful. I also congratulate and wish a prosperous term to the winners of the other positions. I appreciate your assistance.

The major market associations in Lagos' umbrella organization, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, vowed to back the new NGE leadership.

This was said by the platform's president, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, in a statement.

In particular, he stated, for the growth of commerce and the welfare of the trading community, "Ndigboamaka Markets Association will continue to partner with Eze Anaba for a greater nation."

I will spearhead the effort to update antiquated media laws. —Anaba

The newly elected NGE President promised to build on prior successes and accomplishments when he noted earlier in his acceptance address that his vision for the Guild is captured in a five-point plan.

Anaba specifically committed to taking the initiative in the fight for critical updates to outmoded media laws that threaten media freedom and the operations of Nigerian media organizations.

He said, "I want to thank you all for this great honor and opportunity. You have put your faith in me to lead our Guild through this trying period, and I am so grateful for that.

I'd like to congratulate the other recently chosen exco members.

Let me commend my fellow contender for a valiant effort. He may have stated a few things throughout the campaign that we didn't agree with. Nevertheless, I send him my warmest wishes for success in the future.

"I also want to express my gratitude to our outgoing president for his leadership and for determining the course of our Guild. I pledge to build on your accomplishments, which I much respect.

I am certain of the implications of my election. I outlined a 5-point agenda during the recent campaign that I think our Guild needs in order to build on its prior accomplishments and successes. I swear to follow through on my five-point plan.

My election is therefore a mandate to strengthen the credibility and authority of our Guild and have a say in discussions about press freedom, broadcasting freedom, ethics, and the nature and operations of the news media.

improved circumstances

"I think we have a bigger responsibility—and I have a greater responsibility—to ensure the empowerment of editors and other journalists by assisting and promoting their professional development.

In addition, I will prioritize and concentrate on leading the effort to improve conditions, update outdated media laws that tend to restrict media freedom and the operations of Nigerian media outlets, and strengthen ties between our Guild and regional and global stakeholders, partners, and donors.

We must promote and encourage our members' involvement in the decision-making process and the Guild's activities while safeguarding the interests and business operations of broadcast and print media organizations.

Additionally, we must improve our Guild's ability to support members who may be the target of legal threats, harassment, or intimidation.

I am clear about the direction I believe we should take after speaking with you, getting to know you, and hearing your concerns over the past few months. I will do everything I can to work with all of you to accomplish our Guild's vision and mission and to ensure that we have the support we need to thrive in our profession amid today's profoundly significant sociopolitical and economic realities and developments.