Society Gists

VANGUARD newspaper has dissociated itself from the uncomplimentary comments made by Ochereome Nnanna, its Editorial Board Chairman of over 20 Years, about the Yoruba ethnic group.

Nnanna had purportedly said that the Yorubas were “sophisticated morons”. He made the comment in a private group chat, screen shots of which went viral on the social media.

Reacting to the development, Gbenga Adefaye, Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, issued a statement on Saturday, stressing that that such comments by one of the paper’s top staff does not represent the view and opinion of the paper.

“Our attention has been drawn to an off hand comment made by Mr. Ochereome Nnanna , the Chairman of the Vanguard Editorial board,” the statement read.

“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 conducts and dealings, whether private or public, formal or virtual.

“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.”

Many who reacted to the issue on twitter called for Nnanna’s resignation or outright sack.