The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting high standards of editorial leadership and protecting press freedom, but lamented the abuse of the cybercrime law by security agencies.
The NGE made the assertion in a press statement to commemorate the World News Day on September 28.
The day is set aside to highlight the vital role of fact-based journalism in our societies.
The statement signed by Eze Anaba and Onuohe Ukeh, President and General Secretary, respectively, noted the challenges journalism as a profession faces in Nigeria, most especially the growing attempt to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression by security agencies, hiding under the cybercrime law.
The statement read “We salute journalists in Nigeria and worldwide who work tirelessly to bring us the truth as we recommit to our mission of promoting quality journalism and protecting the rights of journalists to operate freely.
“As we celebrate World News Day, we note the challenges journalism as a profession faces in Nigeria, most especially the growing attempt to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression.
“We will always stand firm to defend the rights of journalists, promote high ethical standard in our noble profession, and resist any move, in whatever means, to harass and intimidate journalists as well as impede journalism.
“We call on journalists to shun fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda, but to uphold the canons of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and facts.
“We use this opportunity to urge the government at all levels and individuals to stop using repressive laws, including Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention, etc) Act, to harass and intimidate journalists
“We urge the government to always respect the Freedom of Information Act by freely providing journalists any requested information and, therefore, aligning itself with the United Nations Universal Day for Access to Information.
“We urge Nigerians to choose truth, facts, and journalism, bearing in mind that fact-based journalism is the foundation of a healthy democracy.
“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.”
