NGE raises alarm over attacks on journalists

• Says aggrieved persons should approach Media Ombudsman

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has raised the alarm over increasing violations of press freedom and the harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, warning that the trend poses a threat to legitimate journalism and democratic governance.

It particularly expressed concern over the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws against journalists and urged governments, security agencies and members of the public to respect press freedom rather than resort to threats, intimidation or violence against journalists and media organisations.

The Guild also weighed in on preparations for the 2027 general election, demanding a level playing field for ruling and opposition parties and urging the Federal and state governments to guarantee an environment in which candidates can campaign freely and fairly.

These were among resolutions contained in a communiqué issued after the NGE Standing Committee meeting held in Kano on Friday, September 11, 2026.

The communiqué was signed by the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh.

Expressing concern over what it described as increasing violations of press freedom, the Guild said: “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.”

It insisted that freedom of the press remained a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance and should be protected by governments at all levels.

“Governments at all levels and members of the public should uphold and respect freedom of the press as a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance,” the communiqué said.

The editors called for constructive engagement with the media, saying individuals, government agencies and organisations aggrieved by media reports have established channels through which they can seek redress.

They urged such complainants to approach the Media Ombudsman established jointly by the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), “rather than resorting to threats, intimidation or violence against journalists and media organisations.”

The NGE, however, also challenged journalists and media organisations to uphold professional and ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities.

It said fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality must remain the guiding principles of media reportage.

Turning to the 2027 general election, the Guild urged the Federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment for all political parties and candidates to campaign without hindrance.

It specifically called for the lawful outdoor display of party symbols and airing of campaign slogans without discrimination.

The editors also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other agencies involved in preparations for the elections to ensure equal treatment of all contestants.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all other agencies involved in preparations for the 2027 general election should ensure a level playing field for all political parties, including the ruling and opposition parties, without bias or discrimination.

“This, it notes, is essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity,” the communiqué stated.

The Guild also cautioned politicians and political parties against inflammatory rhetoric as electioneering gathers momentum, urging them to make issues rather than personal attacks the centrepiece of their campaigns.

It called on political actors to adhere strictly to the rules governing political campaigns.

On the economy, the NGE urged the Federal Government to remain steadfast in implementing its reforms but warned that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians must remain at the centre of policy decisions and actions.

The editors also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, saying the situation was inflicting enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses.

“The Guild expresses concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, which has imposed enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses,” it said.

It urged the Federal Government to redouble efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of roads to ease the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities.

On insecurity, the NGE commended security agencies for successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality but said more needed to be done to achieve lasting peace.

“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 Guild said.

The Standing Committee expressed appreciation to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as the government and people of the state, for providing an enabling environment and hospitality for the meeting.

It reaffirmed that good governance, welfare of the people, peace, progress and respect for democratic values remained cardinal pillars of a stable and prosperous society.

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