The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged the Federal Government to put more safety nets in place to address hardship, rising inflation and increasing poverty.
It said despite occasional slight pump price reduction, widespread unemployment and disaffection remain.
The Editors recommended a holistic approach to addressing insecurity, including enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing and strategic partnerships.
They lauded the breakthrough in the ongoing war against terrorism, including the arrest of leaders of two militant groups on Nigeria’s most wanted list – the heads of Ansaru, an al-Qaida-linked group, and Mahmuda.
These demands were contained in a communique issued at the end of the NGE Standing Committee meeting in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The Guild exco deliberated on critical issues affecting the media, including the welfare of members.
It reviewed the state of the nation and came out with resolutions.
One was the need for the Federal Government to implement more safety nets in the face of hardship.
The Editors noted that banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and criminal herders’ menace adversely affect agriculture.
The Guild, in the communique signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, called on the Federal Government to urgently address the situation to avert a food crisis.
NGE condemned the growing hostilities against media organisations as well as professionals by some security agencies and non-state actors, and called on governments to continue to partner with the media to deepen and protect democracy.
The Guild warned against attempts to weaken the media, which will limit access to information and create a disconnect between the public and reality.
The Editors thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma for his efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy.
