The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has strongly condemned the rising trend of abduction and arrest of journalists in the country by security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force.
The guild expressed concern that these actions were being carried out under the pretext of enforcing the Cyber Security Act and emphasized the negative impact such illegal actions have on press freedom.
In a press statement issued and signed by NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the professional body of media executives and senior editors warned about the dangers of allowing certain regions of Nigeria to fall into the hands of terrorists and bandits.
They also expressed optimism that the federal government has the capability to eradicate these threats and ensure the peace and security of the nation.
During the Standing Committee meeting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, the NGE deliberated on the state of the media, highlighting the concerning increase in the abduction and arrest of journalists purportedly in line with the Cyber Security Act.
The guild emphasized the need for security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to desist from violating press freedom and called for a proper understanding and application of the Cyber Security Act.
They stressed that the law was enacted to combat cybercrimes and not to persecute journalists carrying out their legitimate duties in a democratic society.
Furthermore, the NGE strongly condemned the method of abduction of journalists, their prolonged detention, and the inhumane treatment to which they were subjected, labeling it as a violation of democratic principles.
The guild reiterated the fundamental importance of press freedom, defining it as the ability of the media to report news and express opinions without government interference, censorship, or retribution.
They emphasized that press freedom is a fundamental human right essential for a healthy democracy, allowing citizens to access accurate information, hold leaders accountable, and participate in informed public discourse.
In addition to addressing press freedom issues, the NGE also highlighted the challenging economic environment within which the media currently operates in Nigeria.
The guild called on the federal government to ensure the sustainability of the media industry through robust economic policies and direct interventions aimed at enhancing its capacity to overcome existing challenges.
Furthermore, the NGE congratulated the government on its one year in office and urged it to intensify efforts in combating insecurity in certain parts of the country, with the aim of eradicating the activities of terrorists and insurgents.
The guild also expressed concern about the high cost of living exacerbated by the harsh economic policies and programs of the federal government, calling for sustainable interventions to alleviate its far-reaching effects.
Finally, the editors expressed their gratitude to the Rivers State Government for providing a conducive environment for the meeting and hoped that the current peace initiatives by the government would be sustained in the best interest of the people and development.
