RismadarVoice Reporters
September 16, 2026
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed concern over what it described as the increasing harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, warning that such actions could undermine press freedom and legitimate journalism.
The Guild also called on the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field for political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The position was contained in a communiqué signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, at the end of the Guild’s Standing Committee meeting in Kano.
The editors said they were particularly concerned about the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws in ways that could restrict legitimate journalistic activities.
They stressed that freedom of the press remained a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance, urging governments at all levels and members of the public to respect the media and engage with journalists through constructive channels.
The Guild advised individuals and organisations with complaints against media practitioners or outlets to use 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).
It urged aggrieved parties to pursue their grievances through the established mechanism rather than resorting to threats, intimidation or violence against journalists and media organisations.
On the 2027 elections, the editors urged the Federal and state governments to create an environment in which all political parties and candidates could campaign freely and fairly.
The Guild specifically called for the lawful display of party symbols in public spaces and the airing of campaign slogans, while urging INEC and other agencies involved in the electoral process to treat all political parties, including ruling and opposition parties, fairly and without discrimination.
According to the editors, a level playing field would be important to public confidence, trust and electoral integrity.
The Guild also urged political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on issues, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and comply with regulations governing political activities as preparations for the elections intensify.
It further called on the media to maintain high professional and ethical standards, with fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality guiding election coverage.
On the economy, the NGE urged the Federal Government to remain committed to its ongoing reforms while ensuring that the welfare and well-being of Nigerians remained central to its policies and actions.
The editors expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, saying the situation had created significant difficulties for motorists, commuters and businesses.
They therefore urged the government to intensify efforts to rehabilitate, reconstruct and construct federal roads to improve the movement of people and goods and support economic activities.
The Guild commended Nigeria’s security agencies for what it described as successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.
However, it called for sustained and coordinated efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and national unity.
The Standing Committee also expressed appreciation to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as the government and people of the state for providing an enabling environment for its meeting.
The Guild reaffirmed that good governance, citizens’ welfare, peace, progress and respect for democratic values remained essential to building a stable and prosperous society.
