40 years after, NGE demands justice for Dele Giwa

On October 19, 1986, journalist Dele Giwa was killed by a parcel bomb in Nigeria. Despite the passage of 40 years, no one has been held accountable for this heinous crime. The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called upon relevant authorities to investigate the case and bring the perpetrators to justice. In a statement marking the 40th anniversary of Giwa's death, NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh emphasized the importance of press freedom, public accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

The Guild described Giwa as a journalist of exceptional talent and integrity whose work demonstrated that Nigerian journalism could hold those in power accountable while maintaining high journalistic standards. The NGE stressed that Giwa's assassination was not merely the killing of a single individual, but an attack on the freedom of the press and the rule of law.

They cautioned against trial by media, urging for a credible investigation rather than unjust condemnation. The Guild warned that the failure to bring the perpetrators to justice sends a troubling message to media practitioners and highlights the urgent need for stronger protection of journalists and effective investigations into crimes against them.

The Guild also emphasized the importance of press freedom and the responsibility of both journalists and public authorities to uphold it. They urged editors, publishers, and journalists to protect newsroom integrity, resist intimidation, and uphold professional discipline in the face of growing disinformation and threats. The Guild called on younger journalists to learn from the sacrifices made by earlier generations in defending press freedom.

They urged the public to recognize that crimes against journalists also threaten citizens' right to reliable information, and that the responsibility to investigate serious crimes does not expire with the passage of time or changes in political leadership.