The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has raised the alarm over the increasing harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, warning that such actions could undermine press freedom and legitimate journalistic practice.
The Guild also called on the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NGE made the demands in a communiqué signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, at the end of its Standing Committee meeting held in Kano.
The editors expressed particular concern over the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws in ways that could restrict legitimate journalism, stressing that press freedom remained a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.
The Guild urged governments at all levels and members of the public to respect press freedom and engage constructively with the media instead of resorting to threats, intimidation or violence against journalists and media organisations.
It advised aggrieved individuals and organisations to channel complaints through the Media Ombudsman established jointly by the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), NGE, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
On the 2027 elections, the Guild urged the Federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment for all political parties and candidates to campaign freely and fairly.
It specifically called on authorities to permit the lawful display of party symbols and airing of campaign slogans, while urging INEC and other agencies involved in preparations for the elections to treat all political parties, including ruling and opposition parties, fairly and without discrimination.
According to the editors, a level playing field is essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity.
The Guild also charged politicians and political parties to focus their campaigns on issues, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and comply with the rules governing political campaigns as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
The NGE further urged the media to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in reporting, with fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality guiding their coverage.
On the economy, the Guild called on the Federal Government to remain committed to its ongoing reforms while ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians remained at the centre of its policies and actions.
The editors expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, saying the situation had imposed significant hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses.
They therefore urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of federal roads to facilitate the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities.
The Guild commended Nigeria’s security agencies for their successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.
It, however, called for sustained and coordinated security efforts to achieve lasting peace, national security and unity.
The Standing Committee also expressed appreciation to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as the government and people of the state, for providing an enabling environment for the meeting.
The Guild reaffirmed that good governance, the welfare of citizens, peace, progress and respect for democratic values remained essential pillars of a stable and prosperous society.
