By Barth Ikiebe
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has suspended one of its members, Mr. Steve Osuji, for violating the “off the record” provision in the Code of Ethics for journalists in Nigeria.
In a statement by Mr. Eze Anaba (President) and Mr. Onuoha Ukeh (General Secretary), the Guild stated that there was an agreement that the keynote address delivered by the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, at its 25th Biennial Convention in Enugu, was off-the-record and not for publication.
The Guild said that despite anouncement of this agreement, “a senior journalist and member of the Guild, Mr. Steve Osuji, published an article based on the presentation on his social media platforms, breaching our Code of Ethics on confidentiality.”
The professional body said that it “takes this professional misconduct seriously, and has suspended Mr. Osuji from the 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 Mr. 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 that, “Mr. 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.”
Steve Osuji has been editor of Thisday, Nation, The Guardian, New Age newspapers. He was also Special Assistant on Media to former Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State.
With this suspension, Mr Osuji who had been a member of the executive and had aspired to be President of the Guild in the past can no longer attend any activities of the professional body including its All Nigerian Editors Conference slated for this year.
In a reaction to the suspension, Mr Osuji described it as a grievous error and it is not good for the Guild.
