Editors reject propsed journalism bill
By Our ReporterPublished TodayNewsRating: Unrated
The Nigerian Guild of Editors has described as "poisonous" a bill before the National Assembly which seeks to enhance the practice of journalism.

The guild said the bill, entitled: "An Act to provide for the repeal of the Nigerian Press Council Act 1992 and establish the Nigerian Press and Practice of Journalism Council," is a predatory legislation which neither the profession nor the public needs.

It added that there is hardly any redeeming value in the 12 parts and 79 sections of the bill.

The guild said it was shocked that "this travesty carries the name of a distinguished journalist, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, as sponsor."

The editors said the bill intends to create a council whose chairman would be appointed or dismissed at the pleasure of the President on the recommendation of the Minister of Information and Communications.

How can the independence of such an appointee be guaranteed? The guild asked.

The guild noted that Section 10 of the bill requires members of the council to swear to an oath of secrecy.

"This may be a standard ritual in government offices, but journalism is about revelation and conflict,"the guild said.


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