Editor across the country have condemned the prevalent hate speeches from different parts of the country, reasoning that the development was capable of causing disunity.
While calling for restraint, they also urged the security agencies in the country to, as a matter of urgency, effect the release of the school children abducted in Lagos.
The positions of the editors are contained in a statement signed by its President, Funke Egbemode, and the Secretary, Victoria Ibanga.
The statement was issued after the quarterly meeting of the Standing Committees of the Nigerian Guild of Editors held in Lagos on Friday.
Stressing that the nation remained stronger together, the editors warned that those sowing seeds of discord should realise that they were not just destroying the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers but the progress that had been made over the years as a nation.
They said the actions had the capacity to alter the destiny of Nigeria negatively.
The statement reads in part: “The Guild reminds the hate agents that as major stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, Editors and Journalists fought for the enthronement of the current democratic dispensation, with some paying the supreme price, to birth a constitutional government.
“The Guild regrets that elders from different parts of the country kept quiet for too long, which allowed the youths to take over the socio-political space and brought the nation to the present situation. The Guild urges the elders across the country to always keenly take interest in the affairs of the nation, rather than play the ostrich.
“The Guild also urges Nigerians to ignore those agitating for the dismemberment of the country and to go about their businesses without fear or let, and focus more on repositioning the country for present and future generations.
“The Guild appreciates the firm and decisive intervention of the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, which has calmed the situation and urges the government to do more.
“The Guild notes that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has been issuing orders to his men to get these persons arrested but is worried that no commensurate action has been taken. It urges the Police to be more responsive and pragmatic.
“The Guild commends the Nigeria Police Force for the arrest of the kidnap kingpin, Chukwudi Dumeme Onuamadike and other kidnappers and urges that they should do more to ensure the release of the abducted pupils of Igbonla Model College, Epe in Lagos State, who have been missing for more than three weeks now.
“The Guild notes and condemns the overzealousness of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other security agencies against the media. At all times, duties come with deep responsibilities that must be upheld.”
