Nigerian Guild of Editors condemns attack on newspaper delivery personnel
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has strongly condemned the recent harassment of drivers of newspaper distribution vans by overzealous security agents in some states.
In a statement, the guild stressed that it should be noted that the media is a strategic partner in national affairs, with the constitutional mandate of providing information to the populace.
“The body of editors hereby restates that media personnel are rendering essential services and journalists should be commended for carrying out their constitutional mandate of sourcing stories and monitoring compliance with government directives in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world, instead of being harassed.
“The guild therefore implores state governments that have declared one form of lockdown or the other, as measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, to appropriately educate the security agents drafted to enforce the restrictions, on the essential nature of media duties,” the statement advised.
The NGE recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement in a nationwide broadcast, “permits workers of telecommunications companies, broadcasting, print and electronic media, who can prove they are unable to work from home as being exempted from the total lockdown in Lagos, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory”.
The statement continued: “The Guild is worried that some security agents, who may not be sufficiently knowledgeable about the operations of media houses, may find it difficult to determine the categories of print and electronic staff who cannot work from home.
“In the light of this potential friction, the guild is calling on the Nigerian government to exempt all categories of media staff from the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions and hereby enjoins journalists to carry their means of identification as they undertake their duties, to eliminate the chances of being harassed by security operatives.”
However, the guild commended the Federal and State governments for the measures put in place to contain the deadly Coronavirus and also applauded government’s pledge of palliative measures for the most vulnerable in the society during this period of lockdown, especially those who survive on daily income.
“We salute the tireless efforts of our medical personnel who have continued to put their lives on the line as the world battles the monstrous COVID-19 pandemic. However, Nigeria cannot afford a total lockdown at this time. People should be allowed to move within their neighbourhoods to access pharmacies, fuel stations and other basic needs.
“We urge all journalists and other personnel on essential services to adhere strictly to the prescribed precautionary measures against COVID-19 and continue to stay safe in the course of their duties.”
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