The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has raised concerns over the increasing harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies.
The guild said such actions could undermine press freedom and legitimate journalistic practice, particularly where cybercrime laws and other legislation are used against journalists carrying out their professional duties.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued on Friday in Kano and signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, after the guild’s Standing Committee meeting.
“The Guild expresses concern over the increasing violations of press freedom and the harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies through the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws that have the potential to undermine legitimate journalistic practice,” the communiqué reads.
The editors urged governments at all levels to respect press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.
The guild also advised aggrieved individuals and organisations to use the Media Ombudsman established by the NGE alongside the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), instead of resorting to threats and intimidation.
NGE Seeks Fairness Ahead of 2027 Elections
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the guild urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other agencies involved in the electoral process to ensure a level playing field for political parties.
“The Guild urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all other agencies involved in preparations for the 2027 general election to ensure a level playing field for all political parties, including the ruling and opposition parties, without bias or discrimination,” the editors said.
The NGE also urged politicians and political parties to focus on issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
It said a level playing field would help strengthen public confidence, trust and electoral integrity.
Editors Raise Concern Over Federal Roads
The guild also expressed concern over the condition of federal roads across the country, saying their state had created hardship for motorists, commuters and businesses.
The editors urged the federal government to “redouble its efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction” of critical roads across the country.
They said improved roads would help ease movement and support economic activities.
The NGE also commended security agencies for what it described as “successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.”
The association called for “sustained and coordinated efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and national unity.”
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