Peradventure, The Nation forgot that newspapers established for owners’ political gains fade when their owners’ light dims — Thank you, fearless Eze Anaba

By ABANIKANDA OLUMORO (UK)

This idea should not have come from The Nation, a newspaper believed to be owned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Those who have discussed this development with me through Internet calls from Nigeria, although separately, agreed that The Nation should first consider the condition of journalism practice in Nigeria today, under its publisher Tinubu’s government before developing gut and temerity to accuse the NGR on anything.

There is a thin line between responsible journalism and the use of newspaper platforms to advance the political interests of their owners. When that line becomes blurred, the credibility of the newspaper is inevitably called into question.

The recent editorial by The Nation, titled “Journalists Failed Journalism”, criticising the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) over the participation of Peter Obi and Prof. Pat Utomi at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu, raises important questions about fairness, professional responsibility and the independence of the press.

This idea should not have come from The Nation, a newspaper believed to be owned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Those who have discussed this development with me through Internet calls from Nigeria, although separately, agreed that The Nation should first consider the condition of journalism practice in Nigeria today, under its publisher Tinubu’s government before developing gut and temerity to accuse the NGR on anything.

It l be recalled that in its response, the NGE, through its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, explained that political parties were invited to participate in the conference and that efforts were made to secure wider political representation. The Guild maintained that providing a platform for political engagement was not an endorsement of any candidate or party.

This explanation deserves serious consideration. A professional gathering of editors should be a place where political actors can engage with the media without every invitation being interpreted through the lens of partisan politics.

Peradventure, The Nation forgot that newspapers established or operated primarily to advance the political ambitions of their owners risk losing relevance when those ambitions fade or the owners’ political influence diminishes. A newspaper’s enduring strength should rest on public trust, professional integrity and its commitment to the truth, not merely on the fortunes of its proprietor.

Of course, every newspaper has an editorial philosophy, and proprietors have a legitimate right to their views. But that right comes with a responsibility not to confuse personal or political interests with the broader duty of journalism to inform the public fairly.

It is therefore troubling when a newspaper accuses a professional body of failing journalism without, as the Guild contends, adequately considering the facts it has presented. Criticism is an essential part of journalism, but criticism itself must be subjected to the same standards of accuracy, balance and fairness demanded of others.

The NGE’s response is a reminder that no media organisation should claim exclusive ownership of journalistic integrity. Every institution, regardless of its history, influence or ownership, must be willing to answer questions about its conduct.

Thank you, Eze Anaba, for standing your ground and defending the Guild’s position. Professional courage does not mean being beyond criticism; it means being prepared to respond to criticism with facts, clarity and conviction.

Ultimately, newspapers may enjoy influence through their owners, but their lasting legacy depends on the confidence of their readers. Political power is temporary, proprietors come and go, and fortunes change. The credibility earned through responsible journalism, however, remains the most valuable asset any newspaper can possess.

That is the lesson The Nation and every other media organisation should take to heart.

Olumoro, a Nigerian in the Diaspora, writes from UK