The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned in very strong terms the snatching of the mace in the Senate on Wednesday by thugs led by suspended Senator Ovie Omon-Agege, Delta Central (APC)
In a statement signed by its President, Mrs Funke Egbemode and General Secretary, Victorin Ibanga, the Guild said the act “ constitutes an affront to or assault on our fledgling democracy”
“Even more reprehensible is the confirmation by the Nigerian Senate that this dastardly act was perpetrated on the instruction of an elected representative of the people.
“Such brigandage and acts akin to hooliganism, as was witnessed on Wednesday, run contrary to the concepts and tenets of the democracy that the Fourth Estate of the Realm struggled to enshrine in our country!
It demanded the arrest and trial of the invaders in accordance with the country’s constitutional provisions.
It commended the Nigeria Police “for swiftly responding to the emergent crisis,” and urged all security agencies to ensure there is safety “ not only in the National Assembly but throughout the country.”
It reminded all officials, elected or appointed and across all tiers of government, to remember their oath of office, as well as the confidence and trust reposed in them by the Nigerian people.
