By Philip Yatai
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged governments at all levels and members of the public to respect press freedom.
The guild made the call in a communiqué signed by its President, Mr Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, in Abuja on Tuesday, at the end of its Standing Committee meeting in Kano.
It said the call became necessary following the increasing cases of harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, warning that such actions could undermine press freedom and legitimate journalistic practice.
It particularly raised concern 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.
The NGE 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 established jointly by the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, NGE, Nigerian Union of Journalists and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.
“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,” it said.
The NGE 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.
It 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.
The NGE equally called on 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, it said, is essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity.
“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,” it added.
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 saying, “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,” it said.
The NGE 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.
The NGE said that its Standing Committee thanked Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State and people of the state for providing an enabling environment for the meeting to hold
It reaffirmed that good governance, the welfare of the people, peace, progress and respect for democratic values remained essential pillars of a stable and prosperous society. (NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza