The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has condemned the snatching of mace, the symbol of authority of the National Assembly, at the Senate on Wednesday.
Some thugs invaded the Senate chamber and went away with the mace.
The mace has since been recovered and returned to the National Assembly.
Condemning the development which it considered as injurious to the nation’s democracy, the NGE, in a statement signed by its President, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, and General Secretary, Victoria Ibanga, stressed the need for those behind the incident to be arrested and prosecuted.
That, the body of editors said, would prevent a re-occurrence of the sad incident.
“On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, Nigerians watched in shock as yet another charade unfolded in the Senate with the snatching of the Mace in the Senate, the symbol of authority from the Red Chamber, by alleged thugs.
“Even more reprehensible is the confirmation by the Nigerian Senate that this dastardly act was perpetrated on the instruction of an elected representative of the people.
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“The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) condemns in very strong terms, any and every act that constitutes an affront to or assault on our fledgling democracy!
“Such brigandage and acts akin to hooliganism, as was witnessed on Wednesday, run contrary to the concepts and tenets of the democracy that the Fourth Estate of the Realm struggled to enshrine in our country!”
NGE expressed appreciation over the manner security agencies urgently addressed the incident and urged that they should do more to prevent a re-occurrence.
It charged public office holders generally to be more committed to the service of the nation and work towards promoting democracy in the country.
On its part, the NGE said it would not relent in promoting efforts that would engender democratic values in the society.
“The NGE restates it’s commitment to promote issues that will deepen sustainable democracy in Nigeria. In this regard, NGE calls on all other constitutional realms to diligently and selflessly play their parts to achieve this goal for our fatherland,’’ NGE stated.