*The Nigerian Guild of Editors urges governments at all levels and members of the public to visit from undue harassment of journalists, but respect press freedom and embrace constructive engagement
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
Sequel to reported cases of harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged governments at all levels and members of the public to respect press freedom.
Mr. Eze Anaba, President, and Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, noted this in a communiqué issued Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the end of its Standing Committee meeting held in Kano, Northern Nigeria.
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The Guild said the call became necessary in regard to the increasing cases of alleged harassment, intimidation, and prosecution of journalists by security agencies.
The communique also warned that such actions could undermine press freedom and legitimate journalistic practice.
The leadership of NGE particularly raised concern about the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws in ways that could restrict legitimate journalism.
The Guild emphasised that freedom of the press remained a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.
The NGE as well urged the government and members of the public to engage constructively with the media rather than resorting to threats, intimidation or violence against journalists and media organisations.
It advised aggrieved individuals and organisations to channel complaints through the Media Ombudsman, jointly established by the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, NGE, Nigerian Union of Journalists and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.
The statement noted: “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 NGE also urged 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 Guild urged 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.
The NGE further urged INEC, and other agencies involved in preparations for the elections to ensure that all parties, including the ruling and opposition parties, were treated fairly and without discrimination.
This is essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity, the Guild stated.
The communique noted: “A level playing field is essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity.
“As such, politicians and political parties should focus their campaigns on issues, shun inflammatory rhetoric and strictly adhere to the rules governing political campaigns as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.”
The Guild 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 state of the nation’s economy, the NGE 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.
The NGE said: “The situation had 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 movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities.”
The NGE as well lauded 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.
It restated that good governance, the welfare of the people, peace, progress and respect for democratic values would remain essential pillars of a stable and prosperous society.