The veteran actor maintained that his influence extends beyond the entertainment industry, adding that he sees himself as a father figure to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s 36 state governors.

Naija News reports that Edochie made the remarks during an interview with TV3.

The 79-year-old actor explained that he would turn 80 in the next six months, making him older than the president and all the state governors. He said this age difference influenced how he related to them.

Edochie also recalled how he used his platform to appeal to the government for financial assistance for an ailing colleague, an intervention he said yielded results.

He stated, “I was interviewed in my house in Enugu. During that period, one of my colleagues was ill, so I used that opportunity to call on the government to come to his aid.

“The following week, the government sent half a million naira to him. In the next six months, I will be turning 80. I am older than all the governors and the president, so when I talk to them, it is like a father talking to a son.”

Pete Edochie Speaks On Health Challenges

Meanwhile, the veteran actor has opened up about his current health challenges, revealing that he is experiencing difficulties walking and recurring swelling in different parts of his body.

Edochie reportedly disclosed his condition during a visit to Ghanaian actor Emmanuel Armah in Accra, where he went to show support for the ailing actor.

According to Edochie, he is currently unable to walk properly, while the swelling affects different parts of his body at different times before subsiding.

He explained that his hand was swollen during the visit, adding that the condition sometimes affects his leg before the swelling reduces.

Despite his physical challenges, the actor expressed hope that his condition would improve. However, he also voiced concern about becoming a burden to those around him.

Speaking about his situation, Edochie said, “Sitting down here, I’m not very well myself. I’m not walking, that is a problem for me now, but I still have hope that I will recover myself.

“Sometimes I get up and parts of my body are swollen. After sometime it goes down again. Like my hand is swollen now, later my leg. Just take me. Don’t let me bother the people who are around me. No. Just take me.”

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.