- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has suspended one of its members, Steve Osuji, over alleged violation of the “off the record” provision in the Code of Ethics for journalists in Nigeria.
This was made known in a press statement issued on Saturday by the guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh,
According to the statement, there was an agreement that the keynote address delivered by the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, at the NGE’s 25th Biennial National Convention in Enugu, was off-the-record and not for publication.
Despite the anouncement of the agreement, Osuji who was described as “a senior journalist and member of the Guild”, published an article based on the presentation on his social media platforms, thereby breaching the journalistic Code of Ethics on confidentiality.
The professional body said that it “takes this professional misconduct seriously, and has announced the suspension of Steve Osuji from our professional body for one year, effective immediately.
The NGE apologised to the Director-General of the SSS and the institution he represents for the embarrassment caused by Steve Osuji’s actions, while reaffirming its “commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ensuring that our members adhere to our code of ethics.
The NGE said Steve Osuji will have the opportunity to appeal this decision.”
The Guild also restated its dedication “to promoting professional conduct and maintaining public trust in the media.”