The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on relevant authorities to reopen the investigation into the assassination of renowned journalist and Newswatch co-founder, Dele Giwa, insisting that 40 years without justice is unacceptable.
Giwa was killed by a parcel bomb delivered to his home on October 19, 1986. Four decades later, no one has been brought to justice for his murder.
In a statement marking the 40th anniversary of the assassination, the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, described the unresolved case as a painful test of Nigeria’s commitment to press freedom, accountability and the rule of law.
The editors urged the authorities to revisit the case, examine any credible evidence available, preserve relevant records and pursue all lawful means of establishing the circumstances surrounding Giwa’s death.
The Guild stressed that its demand was not for anyone to be condemned without evidence, but for a credible investigation into what it described as a grave crime against a Nigerian citizen, a distinguished journalist and press freedom.
It warned that the failure to resolve the murder could undermine efforts to protect journalists and hold perpetrators of attacks against media practitioners accountable.
The NGE added that the responsibility to investigate serious crimes does not expire with the passage of time or changes in political leadership.
