World News Day: NGE Fumes Over Repressive Laws Against Journalism In Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed reservations over the cyber crimes laws which impede practice of journalism profession in the country.

The Guild also fumed over the intimidation of journalists with other repressive laws by government at all levels.

It therefore vowed that it would always stand firm to defend the rights of journalists, promote high ethical standards in the noble profession, and resist any move, in whatever means, to harass and intimidate journalists as well as impede journalism.

This was as it demanded of the government to always respect the Freedom of Information Act by freely providing journalists with requested information.

The NGE, which stated these in a statement marking World News Day, noted the challenges journalism as a profession faces in Nigeria, most especially the growing attempt to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression.

It therefore urged the government to align itself with the United Nations Universal Day for Access to Information, just as it called on journalists to shun fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda, but should uphold the canons of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and facts.

The statement which was signed by Eze Anaba, and Onuohe Ukeh, President and Secretary respectively, specifically tasked the government at all levels and individuals to stop using repressive laws, including the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention, etc) Act, to harass and intimidate journalists.

The NGE said; “We use this opportunity to urge the government at all levels and individuals to stop using repressive laws, to intimidate journalists.

While describing the World News Day, celebrated on September 28, as a global initiative aimed at highlighting the vital role of fact-based journalism in our societies, the NGE reaffirmed its commitment to promoting high standards of editorial leadership and protecting press freedom.

The NGE commended journalists in Nigeria and worldwide, who work tirelessly to bring Nigerians the truth as they recommit to the mission of promoting quality journalism and protecting the rights of journalists to operate freely.

It urged Nigerians to choose truth, facts, and journalism, bearing in mind that fact-based journalism is the foundation of a healthy democracy.

According to the NGE; “Fact-based journalism provides citizens with accurate and reliable information, enabling them to make informed decisions.

“We also urge Nigerians to stand with journalists who face challenges in their pursuit of truth, as any success in gagging the media would put in jeopardy democracy and freedom of expression,” it stated.