Guild demands justice for slain investigative journalist, says four decades without accountability must not become a symbol of impunity
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has paid tribute to the late veteran journalist, Dele Giwa, on the 40th anniversary of his assassination, describing his death as a defining moment in Nigeria’s struggle for press freedom, accountability and democratic governance.
Giwa, co-founder and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine, was killed by a parcel bomb delivered to his Lagos residence on October 19, 1986, during the military era. Forty years after the incident, his assassination remains unresolved, with no one held accountable for the murder.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NGIJ President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and the Guild’s Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, described Giwa as a symbol of journalistic courage whose commitment to fearless reporting helped shape investigative journalism in Nigeria.
The Guild said Giwa’s legacy transcends his professional achievements, embodying journalism’s responsibility to question authority, expose wrongdoing, defend the public interest and hold those in power accountable.
“Forty years after Dele Giwa was murdered, Nigeria must not allow his sacrifice to fade into history. His life represented the courage to investigate the powerful and defend the public’s right to know. His death remains a painful reminder of the price journalists can pay for pursuing the truth,” NGIJ stated.
As part of efforts to preserve Giwa’s legacy and strengthen investigative journalism, NGIJ announced plans to establish the Dele Giwa Annual Public Lecture on Investigative Journalism, which will be the Guild’s maiden public lecture.
The initiative will provide a platform for journalists, media executives, policymakers, academics, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to discuss press freedom, investigative reporting, democratic accountability and the safety of journalists.
Beyond commemorating Giwa, the annual lecture is intended to promote professional independence, courage, accuracy and ethical responsibility while exploring practical solutions to the challenges confronting investigative journalism in Nigeria.
“We do not want Dele Giwa to be remembered only through anniversary tributes. We want his name to become a permanent institution in advancing investigative journalism in Nigeria,” the Guild declared.
NGIJ called on the Federal Government to immortalise Giwa in recognition of his contributions to Nigerian journalism, democratic accountability and the public’s right to information.
The Guild urged the government to consider naming a public institution, national journalism centre, media research facility or another appropriate national monument after the late journalist.
It said such recognition would affirm the vital role of journalists in nation-building and inspire younger generations to embrace courage, integrity and service to the public interest.
According to NGIJ, national recognition should extend beyond political leaders and public officeholders to include professionals whose sacrifices have significantly advanced democratic development and the protection of citizens’ rights.
While celebrating Giwa’s contributions, the Guild expressed concern that the circumstances surrounding his assassination remain unresolved four decades later.
It called on the Federal Government, law enforcement agencies and relevant judicial authorities to renew efforts to establish the circumstances of his death, review available evidence and pursue credible investigative leads in accordance with the law.
NGIJ warned that the passage of time must not extinguish the quest for justice or diminish the state’s responsibility to investigate the killing of a Nigerian citizen and distinguished journalist.
“A nation cannot adequately honour a journalist who died in the pursuit of truth while allowing the questions surrounding his murder to remain unanswered.
Remembrance must be accompanied by action, and tributes must translate into a renewed commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of journalists,” the Guild said.
NGIJ urged Nigerian journalists, particularly young and aspiring investigative reporters, to draw inspiration from Giwa’s courage while upholding the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, verification, independence and ethical conduct.
The Guild reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible, independent and impact-driven investigative journalism through professional training, institutional partnerships, public-interest investigations and accountability initiatives.
It also called on media organisations, government institutions, civil society groups, development partners and the public to support efforts to improve journalists’ safety, strengthen newsroom independence and create an enabling environment for responsible reporting.
As preparations begin for its maiden Dele Giwa Annual Public Lecture on Investigative Journalism, NGIJ said its objective is to transform remembrance into sustained action in support of press freedom, professional excellence, justice and democratic accountability.
The Guild urged the Federal Government and the media industry to ensure that Giwa’s legacy is remembered not only for the tragedy of his unresolved assassination but also for his enduring contribution to the pursuit of truth.
“Dele Giwa may have been silenced 40 years ago, but the ideals he represented must never be silenced. His legacy must live on in every journalist who dares to investigate, every report that exposes wrongdoing, every institution held accountable and every citizen empowered by the truth,” NGIJ concluded.
