The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has raised concerns 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.

In a communiqué signed by its president, Eze Anaba, and general secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, respectively, at the end of its Standing Committee meeting held in Kano, the Guild said it was particularly concerned about the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws in ways that could restrict 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 Guild said aggrieved individuals and organisations should 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).

It urged governments at all levels and members of the public to uphold and respect freedom of the press as a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.

On the 2027 elections, the editors called on the Federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment for all political parties and their candidates to campaign freely and fairly.

It specifically urged authorities to allow the lawful outdoor display of party symbols and the airing of campaign slogans, while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other agencies involved in preparations for the elections to ensure that all parties, including the ruling and opposition parties, are treated fairly and without discrimination.

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 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 editors therefore urged the Federal 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.

“We are concerned about the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, which has imposed enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses. The Federal Government should redouble its efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of roads to facilitate the free 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.

“We commend the nation’s security agencies for the successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality. We call 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. (Nigerian Tribune)