NGE suspends member for breaching ethics of journalism, by publishing confidentiality material

By allcitynews.ng

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has suspended one of its members, Mr. Steve Osuji, for breaching ethics of journalism.

Osuji was said to have violated the “off the record” provision in the Code of Ethics for journalists in Nigeria.

In jointly signed statement, NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, explained that Osuji violated the ethics by going ahead to use material that was seen as off record, which ordinarily should not be used among the story.

“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 National Convention in Enugu, was off-the-record, which meant that it was not to be used for publication”.

The Guild said that despite anouncement of this agreement, “a senior journalist and member of the Guild, Mr. Steve Osuji, who ought to know better went ahead to publish the article which was a breach of our Code of Ethics on confidentiality.”

The professional body said that it “takes this professional misconduct seriously, and has announced the suspension of Mr. 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 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.”

However, 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 who was an editor in Thisday, Nation, The Guardian, New Age newspapers, was also Special Assistant on Media to former Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State, described his suspension as grievous error.

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 body including its All Nigerian Editors Conference slated for end of this year.

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