By Alex Ekemenah
The Nigerian Guild of Editors has condemned the hijack of the #EndSARS peaceful protest by hoodlums across many states of the Federation, a hijack that turned violent in which many citizens and security agents lost their lives including destruction of public and private properties worth billions of naira. In the communiqué issued at the end Standing Committee meeting of the NGE, which held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on 29th-31st October, 2020, the body condemned the looting and arson of some public and private properties, including police stations, especially in Lagos State, forcing governors to declare curfew. The Guild also condemned in strong terms the display of aggression by the Government and security agents against peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State. The body of Editors also viewed with serious concern and condemned the attack on media houses and journalists, the arson of properties at Television Continental (TVC) and The Nation newspapers’ premises in Lagos, The Chronicles in Calabar and in Lokoja where a correspondent of The Sun Newspapers was shot. While noting that the demands of the peaceful protesters were genuine and patriotic, the Guild said the hijack which led to arson, looting, destruction and bestial killings of law-abiding citizens including security agents were very unfortunate as it portrayed the country in a very bad light in the comity of nations. The Guild reminds Nigerians that the media has contributed immensely to the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria and has never shied away from protecting the welfare and security interests of all Nigerians even in the face of intimidations from State actors. “Given that the media is also just coming out of the distress caused by COVID-19 pandemic, these unjustified attacks by hoodlums will in no small way affect the financial status of many media establishments negatively”, the Guild noted in its communiqué. The Guild noted the imposition of fine on some media houses by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission which it considered a double jeopardy. While believing that government has a mandate to ensure that the media does not operate in an insecure environment, it must not also be seen to be engaging in acts inimical to the effectiveness of the media to perform their duties in informing, educating and entertaining the public. “Enough of attacks on media houses and professionals”.