... as Guild of Editors Conference kicks off in Delta State

As the 2019 general elections draw near, a call has gone out to media practitioners in the country to help sustain the nation's democracy by not heating up the polity with sensational and inciting reports.

The call was made in Asaba the Delta State capital by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson at the commencement of the 7th All Nigeria Editor's Conference.

The conference which has as its theme: Credible Elections, Sustainable Democracy and The Nigerian Media will end on Sunday.

Iworiso-Markson told journalists on arrival in Asaba, that the media has a responsibility to defend the country's fledging democracy and the coming election is another litmus test.

He charged the media not to allow desperate politicians who are seeking power at all cost to use their medium to create tension and chaos in the country, saying that will result in anarchy that may give room for another military intervention.

The Bayelsa Government spokesman also urged media organizations to give equal opportunity to all political parties in course of their campaigns, to allow for a sense of belonging for all the parties.

He said: "In less than four months the elections will be here. And because of their critical role, the media must not abdicate its responsibility otherwise we will have a problem in our hand that we can't solve.

" The democracy we are enjoying today was strongly fought for and the media was part of the fight, so they must work to defend and sustain It. The coming election will be another opportunity to do so. We must not allow politicians who think more of themselves to ruin this country. We must not allow that.

Iworiso-Markson who led the Bayelsa State Government delgation made up top media Executives and editors who are also members of the Guild, said the Restoration Government of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has made Bayelsa a safe haven for journalists.

The Information Commissioner also charged INEC to conduct credible elections that will be acceptable to all, stressing that all eyes will be on Nigeria next year.

The Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is the Guest of Honour while Prof. Mahmood Yakubu the chairman of INEC will deliver the keynote address and the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is the Chief Host of the conference.