The Nigerian Guild of Editors has raised the alarm over the increasing harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, warning that the trend poses a threat to press freedom and legitimate journalistic practice.
The Guild also called on the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission and other relevant authorities to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The editors made the demands in a communiqué issued at the end of their Standing Committee meeting held in Kano on Friday, September 11, 2026, and signed by the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh.
The Guild expressed particular concern over what it described as the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws to harass or prosecute journalists carrying out legitimate professional duties.
It 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 constructively with journalists.
The editors advised individuals and organisations dissatisfied with media reports to seek redress through the Media Ombudsman established jointly by the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigerian Union of Journalists and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.
The Guild said resorting to threats, intimidation or violence against journalists and media organisations was unacceptable.
It also urged media organisations and practitioners to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards, with fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality guiding their reportage.
On the 2027 general elections, the editors called on the Federal and state governments to create an enabling environment for all political parties and candidates to campaign freely and fairly.
They specifically urged authorities to permit the lawful outdoor display of party symbols and the airing of campaign slogans.
The Guild charged INEC and all other agencies involved in preparations for the elections to treat all political parties, including the ruling and opposition parties, fairly and without discrimination.
According to the editors, equal treatment of political parties is essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity.
The Guild also called on politicians and political parties to make their campaigns issue-based, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and comply strictly with the rules governing political campaigns as preparations for the elections intensify.
On the economy, the Guild urged the Federal Government to remain committed to its ongoing reforms while ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians remained central to policy decisions.
The editors, however, expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, saying the situation had imposed significant hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses.
They therefore called on the Federal Government to intensify the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of federal roads to improve the movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activity.
Security
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.
It nevertheless called for sustained and coordinated efforts to consolidate the gains and achieve lasting peace, security and national unity.
The Guild reaffirmed that good governance, the welfare of citizens, peace, progress and respect for democratic values remained essential pillars of a stable and prosperous society.
