Vanguard Media Limited, publishers of Vanguard Newspapers, as dissociated itself from a disparaging Facebook post about the Yoruba by its Editorial Board Chairman, Ochereome Nnanna.
In the post which has since gone viral, Mr Nnanna described the Yoruba as “sophisticated morons” for accepting the recognition President Muhammadu Buhari gave to the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Moshood Abiola.
“While we are carefully interrogating the circumstance that led to that comment, with a decisive response to the author, we wish to acknowledge that the statement was made entirely as part of a private conversation,” Vanguard said in a statement signed by its Editor-in-Chief, Gbenga Adefaye.
Mindful of accusations that its publications had become platforms for ethnic propaganda, the 34-year-old media organisation said it “dissociates itself totally from such unwarranted but careless, private outburst,” by Nnanna.
“But we also wish to stress that Mr Nnanna’s position (as indeed like that of any senior editorial staff at the Vanguard) must always reflect a circumspect conduct that takes into cognizance the sensitive nature of our responsibility, and in particular, the need to maintain decorum and decency in all conduct and dealings, whether private or public, formal or virtual.
“We will like to re-assure our patrons, readers and stakeholders that Vanguard newspapers will always remain on the path of correct professional etiquette, practice responsible journalism and adhere to the highest ethics of fairness, objectivity and just conduct, as these are essential ingredient for peace and growth in a plural and multifaceted society such as ours.
“We will like to place on record that Vanguard newspapers will continue to do all within its power to ensure that we do not betray the trust that has been reposed in us by the public.
“Rest assured that we will continue to improve and fine-tune our internal processes and adopt a fair dose of self-regulation to ensure that we remain truly focused to the ideals of conscientious journalism devoid of profiling, bigotry and prejudice,” the statement concluded.
