The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed serious concerns over what it described as “the increasing 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 therefore warned that the trend poses a grave threat to press freedom and democracy, thus urged governments at all levels and members of the public to uphold press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.
The NGE emphasized that good governance, welfare of the people, peace, progress and respect for democratic values remain cardinal pillars of a stable and prosperous society.
The Guild particularly tasked the government to engage constructively with the media rather than resorting to threats and violence.
These were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of NGE’s Standing Committee meeting which took place on Friday, September 11, 2026, in Kano and jointly signed by its President, Mr. Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, in which the Guild vehemently decried the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws to clamp down on legitimate journalistic practice.
The Guild particularly 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).
The NGE also demanded a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, and specifically called on the Federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment for all political parties and candidates to campaign freely and fairly, including the lawful outdoor display of party symbols and airing of campaign slogans.
The NGE communique specifically urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all agencies involved in preparations for the polls to ensure fairness and non-discrimination between ruling and opposition parties.
It further stated; “The Independent National Electoral Commission 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 is essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity”.
The NGE also charged politicians and political parties to focus on issue-based campaigns, shun inflammatory rhetoric and strictly adhere to campaign rules as the 2027 build-up gathers momentum.
The body of editors also tasked the media to remain professional and uphold the highest ethical standards of fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality in reporting.
On the state of the nation, the Guild called on the Federal Government to remain steadfast in its economic reforms while ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians remain at the centre of all policy actions.
The NGE expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads nationwide, stressing that it has imposed enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses.
It therefore urged the government to redouble efforts on rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of roads to facilitate movement and stimulate economic activities.
While taking a critical look at the security situation in the country, the Guild commended security agencies for successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other crimes and called for sustained and coordinated efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and national unity.
The Guild expressed appreciation to Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the government and people of Kano State for providing an enabling environment and warm hospitality for the meeting.
