By Abubakar Salihu
Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has congratulated the newly sworn in leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), lauding the peaceful manner the elections were conducted.
In a press statement signed by his DG Media, Abdu Labaran Malumfashi, Governor Masari noted that the landslide victory recorded by Mustafa Isa, to be re-elected National President, was a vote of confidence passed on him by his colleagues.
He said the resounding re-election was an indication that members of the Editors Guild wanted more from him of what they had during his first tenure, urging him to redouble his efforts to justify his colleague’s confidence.
Governor Masari drew the attention of the Guild to the precarious security situation the country has found itself, and urged the members of the Guild, as gate keepers, to remain steadfast in protecting, promoting and projecting the interest of the nation over and above any other interests at all times.
The Governor expressed the belief that if the Nigerian media would get its act togather, no adversity or challenge would be too great to overcome.
He said now was the time for the media to be one and united in purpose, the protection and promotion of the nation’s interests.
He cautioned the media against availing its platform to unpatriotic elements, who would not hesitate to sacrifice Nigeria’s to advance their narrow interest.
“It is equally important to draw the attention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors to the need for the mitigation of the observed decline in standard of professional practice.
“Indeed, now is the time for the media leaders, in partnership with other stakeholders, to resuscitate the intended role of the press as the watchdog of society and vanguard of democracy. Nigeria expects no less from the Guild”.