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The Nigerian Guild of Editors has condemned the rising incidents of journalists being abducted and arrested by security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, under the pretext of enforcing the Cyber Security Act.
The editors warned of the severe implications such actions could have on press freedom in the country.
The NGE gave this warning in a statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, on Tuesday, at the end of the group’s Standing Committee meeting held over the weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
“The meeting deliberated on the state of the media with emphasis on the increasing spate of abduction and arrest of journalists in the country under the guise of enforcing the CyberSecurity Act.
“We warn of the implications of such illegal actions on press freedom,” the Editors stated.
The NGE also criticised the misuse of the Cyber Security Act which was intended to combat cybercrime, saying it was not to target journalists fulfilling their democratic duties.
“The professional body of media executives and editors calls for a proper understanding and intention of the Cyber Security Act, declaring that the law was enacted as a legal framework for combating cybercrimes and not for persecuting journalists,” the statement read.
Emphasising the role of a free press in a democracy, the editors stated, “Press freedom is the ability of the media to report news and express opinions without government interference, censorship, or retribution. It 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.”
Speaking on the harsh economic conditions under which the media operates in Nigeria, the NGE urged the Federal Government to implement economic policies and direct interventions to sustain the media industry.
Addressing the nation’s security challenges, the editors expressed optimism that the the Federal Government possesses the capability to eliminate terrorists and insurgents, ensuring peace and security for the country.
“The government must step up its fight against insecurity in certain parts of the country to flush out terrorists and insurgents who have continued to perpetrate mayhem in some communities,” they advised.
The NGE also criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, which have led to a high cost of living while it called for sustainable measures to mitigate their effects.
The editors, however, thanked the Rivers State government for providing a conducive environment for their meeting, commending the state’s peace initiatives.
The statement reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to defending press freedom and supporting efforts to enhance national security and economic stability.
Over the years, press freedom has been abused with journalists being harassed while carrying out their duties.
Earlier, the Nigerian Police Force invited a reporter with PREMIUM TIMES, Emmanuel Agbo, over a yet-to-be-published report that he is working on.
In March, the then editor of FirstNews newspaper, Segun Olatunji, was abducted from his home in the Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos State by some gunmen attached to the Defence Intelligence Agency.
In a similar development, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, Daniel Ojukwu, was abducted by men of the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police.
Similarly, the Executive Director of the ICIR, Dayo Aiyetan, and its reporter, Nurudeen Akewushola, were held for nine hours after honouring the police’s invitation last Tuesday.
