The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has inaugurated an eight-man electoral committee for its forthcoming convention scheduled to hold from February 28 to March 2 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The National Mirror reports that the committee, inaugurated on February 21 in Lagos, is headed by veteran journalist Mallam Mohammed Haruna.
Members of the electoral committee are Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, Garba Shehu, Richard Akinnola, John Ndukauba, Emma Agu, Augusta Maduegbunam and Lanre Idowu.
Inaugurating the committee, Deputy President of the Guild, Hajiya Aisha Sule, said the editors are confident that the committee would perform creditable because of the calibre of people involved.
She said: “Honourable committee members, we know your reputation; we know your antecedents and we are familiar with your achievements in your chosen professions. It was this knowledge that informed your selection to midwife the elections.
“We have no doubt that in executing your assignment, you will bring to the fore the experience that you have acquired over the years as reporters, editors, managing editors, lawyers and academics.
“However, you are all aware that conducting elections in this country has never been like attending a tea party as contestants oftentimes regard what ought to be regarded as a pleasurable exercise as a do-or-die affair. It should not be so.”
Hajiya Sule urged the committee to place the interest of the Guild above primordial, religious and regional considerations, adding that the Guild is a cohesive body, composed of thorough-bred journalists, who by sheer dint of hard work, have risen to their enviable positions as editors.
He assured the committee members of the Guild’s support to ensure the success of the convention.
Meanwhile, eminent Nigerian journalist and author, Mr. Ray Ekpu, has been appointed as the chairman of the convention, while former Managing Director of Daily Times and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, will be the Special Guest of Honour.
According to a statement by the General Secretary of the Guild, Isaac Ighure, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, is expected to address about 300 editors at the convention.
