In the wake of the rising profile of Ebola virus in the country, Nigerian editors have urged all state governments to set up isolation centres as well as rev up precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of the contagious disease.
Through the Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, the apex professional body of journalists in Nigeria commended the Nigerian media for its responsible reportage of the arrival of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) on the shores of the country. These were the recommendations at the end of a meeting, which was held in Lagos at the weekend. The Guild urged the media to continue in the professional path and ensure that its reports do not cause panic in the polity.
In a communiqué, the NGE also called on all state governments to set up isolation centres and units as proactive measures to stay a step ahead of the deadly virus. For a fast-spreading and exotic pathogen like Ebola, the Guild warned that reactive steps would only result in risky fire brigade approach. The SCM also urged governments at the various levels to sustain awareness campaigns on how to prevent the spread of the EVD in the country.
To striking doctors in the country, the Guild appealed to them to call off their strike and return to work because the nation needs them now more than ever,
The Standing Committee called on the Nigerian Immigration Service and other relevant security agencies to be more alert to their responsibilities and ensure better policing of the nation’s land, sea and air borders to check the invasion of the Ebola virus. It also urged the government to take the screening of passengers coming into the country more seriously so that infected or already ill patients of the EVD are not allowed free rein in Nigeria.
In the area of security, the NGE wants the Federal Government to step up the war against terror and review its tactics. The body also expressed worry about the insurgents’ use of under-aged girls as suicide bombers. After about 120 days since the abduction of the students of Chibok Girls Grammar School, the new trend in terror calls for concern. The nation’s apprehension is further worsened by the increasing spate of attacks and brazen hoisting of Boko Haram flags in parts of Borno State.
On the abducted Chibok girls, the NGE noted the efforts of the Federal Government so far to get them back, but added that not retrieving the girls from the hands of their captors is not an option.
Lastly, the SCM called on the Federal Government to settle all outstanding issues with the Academic Staff of Universities Union, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, and others, to ensure that the nation’s tertiary institutions do not witness another season of embarrassing strikes.
