Nation
NGE Conference: Tinubu tasks media on factual reportage, as Anaba asks FG to revive economy
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday declared open the 19th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Uyo Akwa Ibom State, tasking Nigerian media heads to fight fake news and promote good governance in the country.
The conference, a gathering of over 300 editors, would in the next four days brainstorm on topical issues and propose recommendations for the way forward while also taking stock on the dynamics of the media industry.
The president who was represented by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, said he is working hard to resolve the countries challenges.
According to Ribadu security has improved across the nation since Tinubu assumed power on May 29.
“The leadership we have in our country do understand things a bit better. Work more, talk less. This government is rather the most transparent government ever in the history of Nigeria. Honestly, we will be sincere and do our best,” he said.
According to Ribadu, the current administration inherited tough times in terms of security while speaking on the security situation in the country.
He appealed for patience by Nigerians for the Tinubu-led government to tackle the security challenges bedevilling the country.
“We are all in this together. As a national security adviser, you want to hear about national security. We have been there about five months, few days into the office. We have given Nigeria to President Bola Tinubu to manage it for us.
“In the last five months, I have been there by his side and have seen how things were and how things were when we started and hopefully, the direction we are going is okay,” he added.
He stressed that “we inherited a tough period but we need patience and understanding. It’s tough times and that is the reality.”
“We are not condemning anyone, but that is the truth. Those who are in charge must say the truth, say it as it is and then, hopefully, things will be better for you. Like I said, my coming is to identify with you. I also appeal to you for support. We are going through tough times. It requires all of us to come together. We are all in it together. It is not going to be for too long. It’s a matter of time. It will be better.”
He stated that in the Niger Delta, “at the time we took over,” the production of crude oil was 1.1 million barrels per day.
“Today, crude oil production is over 1.7 mbd. We have witnessed three weeks without any incident of security challenges in the Niger Delta. This is the first time since 1993, but we don’t talk,” stated the pioneer anti-corruption czar.
In the South-East, Ribadu claimed that “in the last two months, not a single person had been killed through violent attacks.
“When we took over last year, we had 46 police stations attacked. Today, we don’t have a single one.”
Mr Eze Anaba, President of Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), in his opening remarks called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards resuscitating the economy .
He said that the present economic situation in the country had left many Nigerians in poverty.
The NGE president stated that the state of the economy should be cause for concern for every Nigerian.
”A matter of concern to many in the nation today is the state of the Nigerian economy, ” he said.
”The economy is in dire situation , and the new administration should continue to grapple with the situation while pushing out policies for a turnaround.
”All hands must therefore be on deck in the task of reversing the trend to improve the economic situation and the well-being of Nigerians. ”
Anaba described Akwa Ibom as an example of a working state going by the number of projects being executed by the state government.
He urged Gov Umo Eno to remain focused on impacting the lives of Akwa Ibom people.
”We commend you for providing us a beautiful environment to gather for this important conference” he said.
