Segun Atanda/
Daggers are out on Facebook for the Editorial Board Chairman of Vanguard newspapers, Mr Ochereome Nnanna, who described Yoruba people as sophisticated morons.
Nnenna’s comment has drawn angry reactions from Facebook users and press statements from activists and the management of Vanguard newspapers in Lagos, a Yorubaland. The newspaper also has a Yoruba man, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, as the Editor-in-Chief.
A moron, according to the Merriam Webster dictionary definition, is a very stupid or foolish person, or a person affected with mild mental retardation.
Nnanna posted the comment in his reply to a post on Facebook.
Areh Sunday, a journalist and an aide to Delta State governor, while reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day on Thursday had gone to his Facebook page to express his disappointment in Yoruba people for allegedly falling for the antics of the government of the day.
He posted: “I use to think the South-West was very sophisticated. I was wrong. They are the most gullible. They fall for every poisoned carrot dangled before them.”
Then Nnanna reacted to the post with this comment: “Sophisticated morons, more like.”
Nnenna’s comment immediately sparked a firestorm and disdain for the medium he represents.
The management of Vanguard newspapers has, however, issued a press statement today reaffirming its commitment to what it describes as responsible journalism.
The statement signed by Mr Adefaye reads in full: “Our attention has been drawn to an offhand comment made by Mr Ochereome Nnanna, the Chairman of the Vanguard Editorial Board.
“The comment, allegedly disparaging an ethnic section of the Nation was ostensibly made as part of private conversation on a social media tread.
“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 dissociates itself totally from such unwarranted but careless, private outburst.
“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 reassure 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.”
A Facebook user, Wale Olayanju, who drew public attention to Nnenna’s comment, stated on Facebook: “This comment would not have elicited any reaction from me but for the fact that it was coming from the Chairman of the editorial board of one of the reputable newspaper houses in the country. A man of his status is expected to conduct himself in a respectful and responsible manner consistent with his function as an opinion-molder in the society.
“Each and every newspaper is incomplete without the editorial section. They (editorials) are believed to be the heart and soul of newspapers. They display the values and policies of a newspaper and influence policy decisions.
“A member of editorial board is expected to be matured, experienced, intelligent and well-informed. He must rise above politics, tribal and religion partisanship. An editorial member should be able to explain all the aspect of any issue in relating with past events, presents scenario and future prospectus. This is not the case with Nnanna as seen in this circumstance.
“If this is the opinion of the Chairman of the editorial board of a national newspaper about Yorubas therefore, one should not be surprised about the view and news policies of Vanguard newspapers about the race.
“It is my hope that Vanguard newspapers will caution Nnanna and apologise to the Yorubas for the embarrassment he has caused them. Wale OLAYANJU.”
Meanwhile, the Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM) has sent a petition to the management of Vanguard newspapers today.
The petition addressed to the General Manager, Vanguard Newspaper Publications is titled: PETITION AGAINST THE RECKLESS, CRUDE, INFLAMMATORY, PROVOCATIVE, HATE AND THREAT TO PUBLIC ORDER COMMENT OF MR. OCHEOROME NNANNA, CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF VANGUARD NEWSPAPER
It reads in full: