The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has raised the alarm over the increasing harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, warning that the trend threatens 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 editors made the demands in a communiqué signed by the President and General Secretary of the Guild, Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, respectively, at the end of their Standing Committee meeting in Kano on Friday.
The Guild expressed particular concern over the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws in ways that could undermine legitimate journalism, stressing that freedom of the press remained a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.
It urged governments at all levels and members of the public to respect press freedom and engage constructively with the media rather than resorting to threats, intimidation or violence against journalists and media organisations.
The NGE advised aggrieved individuals and organisations to channel their 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 editors urged the Federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment for all political parties and their candidates to campaign freely and fairly.
They specifically called for the lawful outdoor display of party symbols and the airing of campaign slogans, while urging INEC and other agencies involved in preparations for the elections to treat all parties, including the ruling and opposition parties, fairly and without discrimination.
The Guild said a level playing field was essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity. It also charged politicians and political parties to focus their campaigns on issues, shun inflammatory rhetoric and adhere strictly to the rules governing political campaigns.
The editors 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 steadfast in implementing its reforms while ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians remained at the centre of its policies and actions.
It expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, saying the situation had imposed enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses.
The NGE therefore urged the government to redouble its efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of roads to facilitate the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities.
The Guild commended Nigeria’s security agencies for the successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality. It, however, called for sustained and coordinated efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and national unity.
The Standing Committee 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 and for their warm hospitality.
It reaffirmed that good governance, the welfare of the people, peace, progress and respect for democratic values remained essential pillars of a stable and prosperous society.