The guild said the conference was designed as a professional platform for editors and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting the country, including democracy, elections, journalism, artificial intelligence (AI), disinformation and Nigeria’s future.

News reports that the NGE’s explanation followed an editorial published by The Nation newspaper, which accused the guild of failing in its journalistic responsibilities.

The editorial, titled “Journalists Failed Journalism,” criticised the NGE over the participation of Obi and Pat Utomi, an NDC chieftain, at the conference.

It questioned why Obi, one of the politicians seeking the presidency, was given an opportunity to address editors when other presidential aspirants were not afforded similar representation.

The newspaper also argued that Obi’s appearance could create the impression that the guild was supporting a particular political party, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching.

In its response, the NGE, through its president, Eze Anaba, rejected the newspaper’s portrayal of the conference and demanded an apology from its editorial board.

The guild explained that the programme featured an executive session on the second day, which brought together governors, political party chairmen, heads of government agencies and other prominent figures in the political and public sectors.

It maintained that Obi’s participation should be understood within the wider context of the conference and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the NDC or any political candidate.

The NGE further disclosed that it invited leaders of major political parties, including Nentawe Yelwatda, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); David Mark, chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); and Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, chairman of the NDC.

According to the guild, the invitations were followed by reminders and personal engagements by its leadership in an effort to encourage wider participation.

It stated that Anaba personally spoke with Yelwatda and Chibuike Amaechi, the ADC vice-presidential candidate, about attending the conference.

The guild also revealed that Ukeh followed up with Paul Ibe, media aide to ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, to encourage the party and its leaders to participate.

The NGE questioned why it should be held responsible when political parties or their representatives who had been invited failed to attend the event.

The guild also highlighted the involvement of government officials and representatives, arguing that their presence further demonstrated the conference’s broad-based nature.

It disclosed that Tunde Rahman, a senior media assistant to President Bola Tinubu, addressed the editors on the administration, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, was represented by Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Additionally, Vice-President Kashim Shettima addressed the conference virtually from the United States.

The guild maintained that the participation of political leaders and government representatives demonstrated that the conference was intended to provide a platform for broad engagement and discussion, rather than promote the interests of any particular political party or presidential candidate.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the appointments were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic communication, improve public access to reliable police information and enhance engagement with the media and other stakeholders.

According to the statement, SP Johnson A. Doghudje has been posted as the Police Public Relations Officer for Zone 5 and can be contacted on 08038773657. SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji has been assigned to Zone 11, Osogbo, and can be reached on 09152481510.

The statement further disclosed that DSP Orchia Adndongu has been posted to the Benue State Police Command, with the contact number 07013495466. Meanwhile, DSP Imah Unwana Victor has been deployed to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and can be contacted on 08038281577.

Similarly, ASP Abdulaziz Maharazu has been posted to the Police Academy (POLAC) and can be reached on 07064684936. ASP Yusuf Adamu Aliyu has been assigned to the Yobe State Police Command, with the contact number 08136394230.

Also, ASP Haruna Rashid Umar Abdullahi has been appointed Public Relations Liaison Officer for the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Gombe State. He can be contacted on 08130313033.

The Inspector-General of Police charged the newly posted officers to maintain professionalism, responsiveness and accuracy in carrying out their responsibilities.

Disu also urged them to ensure the timely dissemination of verified information while promoting constructive relationships with members of the public and the media.

Iniedu reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to improving transparency, strengthening public communication and promoting constructive engagement as key elements of effective, people-centred policing.