The government must abstain from intimidating journalists with oppressive laws, according to the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The NGE urged the government to always uphold the Freedom of Information Act by freely providing journalists with information requested and, in response, aligning itself with the UN Universal Day for Access to Information in a statement to mark World News Day.
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We take note of the challenges that journalism as a profession in Nigeria faces, particularly the growing push to restrict press freedom and freedom of expression as we observe World News Day.
The statement signed by its president, Eze Anaba, and general secretary, Onuohe Ukeh, on Saturday, partially read, “We use this opportunity to urge 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,” partially read.
It reiterated its commitment to upholding high standards of editorial leadership and upholding press freedom while describing World News Day, which is a global initiative that celebrates the importance of fact-based journalism in our societies.
As they reaffirm their commitment to promoting high quality journalism and protecting journalists’ freedom of expression, the guild praised journalists from Nigeria and around the world who tirelessly bring the truth to Nigerians.
However, it urged journalists to “uphold the canons of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and facts,” while dispensing with fake news, misinformation,  , disinformation, and propaganda.
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The NGE pledged to stand up for journalists’ rights, advance high ethical standards in our noble profession, and stand firm against any attempt to harass and intimidate journalists or impede journalism, using any means.
We urge Nigerians to pick the right combination of journalism and truth, keeping in mind that fact-based journalism is the foundation of a prosperous democracy. Citizens can get accurate and trustworthy information from fact-based journalism, which makes them wiser choices.
Source: Channels TV
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