NGE: Warns Cybercrime Law Journalist Harassment in Nigeria Escalates

• The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has warned against the increasing harassment and prosecution of journalists by security agencies.
• The NGE specifically highlighted the concerning use of cybercrime legislation to restrict legitimate journalistic practice.
• The Guild urged aggrieved parties to use the Media Ombudsman, established by NPAN, NGE, NUJ, and GOCOP, for complaints instead of resorting to violence.
• Ahead of the 2027 elections, the NGE called on the Federal Government and INEC to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
• The NGE also expressed concern over deteriorating federal roads and urged the government to prioritize their rehabilitation.

A particular point of contention for the editors is the increasing deployment of cybercrime legislation and other legal instruments in ways that appear designed to stifle independent reporting.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating harassment, intimidation, and prosecution faced by journalists at the hands of security agencies across the nation. This alarming trend, articulated in a communiqué following the Guild's Standing Committee meeting in Kano, threatens to undermine the fundamental principles of press freedom and legitimate journalistic practice in Nigeria. The statement, co-signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, underscores a critical concern for the media landscape.

A particular point of contention for the editors is the increasing deployment of cybercrime legislation and other legal instruments in ways that appear designed to stifle independent reporting. The NGE emphasized that a free press remains an indispensable cornerstone of democracy and effective governance. Consequently, the Guild urged governmental bodies at all levels, alongside the general public, to uphold and respect media professionals, fostering constructive engagement rather than antagonism.

The NGE's concerns highlight a growing legal risk for journalists operating in Nigeria, particularly given the perceived misuse of cybercrime legislation. This trend necessitates vigilance from legal practitioners advising media organizations and individual reporters. In response to potential grievances against the media, the Guild advocates for a structured approach to conflict resolution.

Instead of resorting to threats, intimidation, or violence, the NGE encourages aggrieved individuals and organizations to channel their complaints through the established Media Ombudsman. This independent body was jointly founded by prominent industry stakeholders, including the Newspapers Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) itself, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). The Ombudsman serves as a crucial alternative dispute resolution mechanism, aiming to address media-related complaints fairly and professionally.

Beyond immediate press freedom issues, the NGE also turned its attention to the upcoming 2027 general elections, urging both the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. The editors called for an enabling environment that permits free and fair campaigning, specifically advocating for the lawful display of party symbols outdoors and the airing of campaign slogans without undue restriction.

The Guild stressed the imperative for INEC and all other agencies involved in election preparations to treat every political party impartially, irrespective of whether they are ruling or opposition factions. This commitment to fairness, the NGE asserted, is vital for cultivating public confidence, trust, and ultimately, the integrity of the electoral process.

Furthermore, the NGE appealed to politicians and political parties to focus their campaigns on substantive issues, eschew inflammatory rhetoric, and adhere strictly to the rules governing political campaigns as the electoral cycle gains momentum. Concurrently, the Guild reminded media outlets of their responsibility to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards in their reportage, ensuring fairness, objectivity, accuracy, and factuality guide their coverage.

The NGE's communiqué extended its purview beyond media and electoral matters to address broader national challenges, including the economy and infrastructure. The Guild urged the Federal Government to remain steadfast in its implementation of economic reforms, while simultaneously ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian citizens remain at the core of all policy decisions.

A significant concern raised was the deteriorating state of federal roads across the country. The NGE highlighted that this widespread infrastructural decay imposes considerable hardship on motorists, commuters, and businesses alike. In response, the Guild called upon the government to intensify its efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and construction of federal roads, recognizing that improved infrastructure is essential for facilitating the movement of people and goods, thereby stimulating vital economic activities.

Lawyers advising media organizations or journalists in Nigeria should note the NGE's warning regarding the increasing use of cybercrime legislation to prosecute journalists, indicating a heightened legal risk for press freedom. This necessitates vigilance over enforcement trends and understanding the Media Ombudsman's role as an alternative dispute resolution channel for media-related complaints.

Source: Original reporting via Nigerian press.