By Chigozie Chukwuleta
Nigerian Editors have been charged to know who they are and their role in the country, especially as the nation moves close to 2023 general election.
The charge was given by the former Director, UNIZIK FM, Prof Chinyere Okunna while speaking at the ongoing All Nigerian Editors Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, holding in Owerri, Imo state.
Prof Okunna who was chairperson of the opening ceremony averred that, as gatekeepers and agenda setters, editors are in better position to dictate and redirect public opinion to either favour or de-market any politician or candidate for election.
According to Prof Okunna, who is also a fellow of the Guild, Editors are very powerful and are the oxygen that gives breath to democracy in the country.
She stated that without the oxygen, democracy in Nigeria will die.
In his remarks as host governor and guest of honour, the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, reminded the editors of their critical role in shaping events and activities in the coming election, given the old age adage that “the pen is mightier than the sword”.
He stated that facts are sacred, therefore editors must verify their facts before publishing.
The governor advised editors to avoid sensational and junctice journalism, which heat up the political space, create crisis in the society and criminalizes the profession.
Governor Uzodimma promised to make the job of Journalists easier by creating an aesthetically appealing environment for journalists to practice in the state.
