Peter Obi (file photo)
.Recalls paper’s huge sacrifice for democracy
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25, 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has congratulated The Guardian Newspaper, at it marks 40th anniversay in business.
In a message to the publisher, titled, “The true flagship at 40,” Obi recalled the sacrifices of the newspaper to see democracy blossom in Nigeria.
He also lauded the editorial team of the newspaper for its mature and high ethical content that merits the paper being referred to as the flagship of Nigeria Journalism.
Also read: I’II not celebrate my birthdays in today’s Nigeria – Peter Obi
Full text of Obi’s letter:
Guardian @40: Forty years of a true flagship.
May I join the media community in Nigeria to congratulate the Guardian Newspaper for reaching the landmark age of 40 years?
The entry of The Guardian into the country’s print media journalism was very significant because of the discipline, and the high ethical quality editorial content that merited it being referred to in the media space as the Flagship of Nigeria Journalism.
The Flagship Carries the Commanding Admiral of the ship and that was what The Guardian has done in its 40 years of operation with its thought-provoking and enriching news content.
The newspaper lived its motto: Conscience, Nurtured by Truth” through its succinct, mature, and unbiased editorial contents that stood it out as a utility partner in nation-building.
The Guardian’s contributions to the nation’s current democratic evolution remain outstanding as it helped to fast-track the exit of the military regime in our polity.
Not forgetting the huge sacrifices the Newspaper made at some point during the democratic struggle in our land.
We recall two of its Editors, Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor, going to jail during the military era, the Publisher, Chief Alex Ibru escaping an assassination attempt on his life, and the military juntas and shutting down the newspaper.
The history of The Guardian and the success it recorded in the last 40 years in the face of all the obstacles, the hostile entrepreneurial and political environment are reassuring and give hope that a new and great Nigeria is possible for the patient and dogged fighters like The Guardian.
I wish to therefore pay special tribute to the Publisher, all past and present staff of The Guardian who helped to make this great institution worth its name, the guardian of the people. Congratulations.
Peter Gregory Obi
17 July 2023
