NGE kicks against security agencies’ harassment of journalists

NGE kicks against security agencies’ harassment of journalists

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has kicked against the increasing harassment, intimidation and persecution of journalists by security agencies in the country.

In a communiqué signed by Eze Anaba, NGE President, and Onuoha Ukeh, Secretary-General, after the NGE standing committee meeting in Kano, the guild warned that such actions undermine press freedom and legitimate journalism practice.

The forum raised concerns particularly over how security agencies use cybercrime legislation and other laws against journalists in the discharge of their lawful duties.

“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 forum urged governments at all levels to respect press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.

While calling for constructive engagement with the media, the editors forum urged aggrieved parties to channel complaints through the Media Ombudsman, jointly established with the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), rather than resorting to threats and intimidation.

The NGE also called for a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 election, urging politicians and political parties to run issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.

“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 guild said a level playing field would help build public confidence, trust and electoral integrity.

The editors also expressed concern about the “deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, which has imposed enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses”.

They urged the federal government to “redouble its efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction” of all critical roads to facilitate free movement and stimulate economic activities.

The guild, however, 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”.