By Aaron Ossai
The Nigerian Guild of Editors has raised the alarm over increasing cases of harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies, warning that such actions could undermine press freedom and democratic governance.
The Guild made the position known in a communiqué issued at the end of its Standing Committee meeting held in Kano State on Friday, September 11, 2026.
The communiqué, signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, addressed issues including press freedom, political campaigns, the 2027 general elections, national security, economic reforms and the deteriorating condition of federal roads.
The editors expressed concern that journalists were increasingly being subjected to harassment and prosecution through the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws which, they said, had the potential to restrict legitimate journalistic practice.
The Guild urged governments at all levels and members of the public to respect freedom of the press, describing it as a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance.
It also appealed to aggrieved individuals and organisations to seek redress through established mechanisms rather than resorting to threats, intimidation or violence against journalists and media organisations.
According to the Guild, complaints against media organisations should be channelled through the Media Ombudsman established jointly by the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, NGE, Nigerian Union of Journalists and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.
The editors also called on the media to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards in their reportage, stressing the need for fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality.
On the 2027 general elections, the NGE 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 called for the lawful display of party symbols and airing of campaign slogans, stressing that political parties; should be given equal opportunity to engage voters.
The Guild further charged the Independent National Electoral Commission and other agencies involved in preparations for the elections to ensure a level playing field for all political parties, including the ruling and opposition parties.
It said neutrality and fairness by electoral institutions were essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity.
The editors also advised politicians and political parties to focus their campaigns on issues affecting Nigerians and avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could heighten political tension.
They urged political actors to strictly adhere to the rules governing campaigns as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
On the economy, the Guild called on the Federal Government to remain committed to its ongoing reforms but stressed that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians must remain central to policy decisions.
The editors expressed particular concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads, saying the situation had imposed significant hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses across the country.
