Nigerian editors are concerned about certain actions in the polity likely to undermine press freedom and legitimate journalistic practice, and have voice it out.
Speaking through their apex association, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), they mentioned specifically, the increasing harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, as becoming a source of concern.
These were contained in a communiqué signed by Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, President and General Secretary respectively of the guild and issued at the end of its Standing Committee meeting in Kano.
It expressed concern about the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws in ways that could restrict legitimate journalism, stressing that press freedom remained a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.
“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, urging aggrieved parties to channel complaints through the Media Ombudsman established jointly by the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, NPAN; Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE; Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ; and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP.
On the 2027 elections, the Guild for measures to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates as essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity,
Part way to this, it stated is for the encouragement of lawful outdoor display of party symbols and the airing of campaign slogans.
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“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 Guild said.
“We are concerned about the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, which has 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 free movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities,’’ the Guild said.
“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 stated”, the guild said.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
His ongoing Corporate Communications Master Class training series equips learners with credible hands-on skills for effective Media Relations, Public Communications & Corporate Affairs amongst others.
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