The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called for a review of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Code and all other media statutes, to bring them in tune with democracy and the promotion of free speech.
The guild said the harassment of the media by the NBC, the police, DSS and other state actors should stop.
In a statement to commemorate the 2021 World Press Freedom Day, the NGE condemned all attempts at muzzling the media and urged governments at all levels in Nigeria to value information as a public good and treat the conveyors of information as partners, instead of seeing them as enemies.
“The media is a partner and a critical stakeholder in the national project,” the statement signed by Mustapha Isah and Mary Atolagbe, President and General Secretary, respectively, read.
The body of editors decried that in 2020, alone, no fewer than 60 journalists in Nigeria faced life and career-threatening challenges in the form of intimidation, arrest and detention.
“Three journalists were killed within the same period, one by security forces during a protest in Abuja and two by unknown gunmen in Adamawa and Nasarawa states. Aside from attacks on journalists, their offices were not spared. Several media outlets were attacked and torched by irate mob during the #ENDSARS protests, with four media outlets fined for their coverage of the protests while others were fined for airing dissenting opinions.”
It congratulated all journalists in Nigeria and across the world for keeping faith with the tenets of the profession despite numerous challenges.
The theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day is: “Information as a Public Good,” which highlights the necessity of governments, state actors and the private sector to recognise the value of information as a critical element in leadership and service delivery.
