Today, as the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) stated that the inalienable right to access and disseminate information through an independent press is under attack, and emphasized the critical need to protect the media.
In a press statement issued and signed by the NGE’s President, Mustapha Isah, and General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, and made available to journalists to mark World Press Freedom Day, the professional association of all Nigerian editors stated that while the threat to media freedom is real, the impact on the country’s state of democracy will be very dangerous if not checked.
“Today is a global day intended to remind governments of the importance of upholding their commitment to press freedom. Additionally, it is a day for journalists and other media professionals to reflect on issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
“We must remind Nigerian governments at all levels that a free and independent press capable of informing the public and holding leaders accountable is critical for a strong and sustainable democracy, including free and fair elections.” Without it, Nigerians will be unable to make informed choices about their government and address human rights violations, corruption, and power abuse,” the editors stated.
The Guild expressed concern that elected leaders in Nigeria, who should be trusted to protect press freedom, have made several overt attempts to silence media voices through proposals to criminalize journalism in the country.
Apart from the regular attacks on journalists in the course of their work in the country via obnoxious proposed laws, the Guild stated that the suffocating economic environment and harsh political/economic policies of the federal government have made it nearly impossible for the media sector to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to the benefit of citizens in recent years.
“There is an urgent need to protect the media,” the NGE continued, “because the impact of the government’s suffocating economic and political environment will be extremely dangerous to our democracy.” An attack on the media is an attack on our democracy.
“Governments at all levels must take the lead in ensuring that their actions do not encourage press freedom violations. A democratic society such as Nigeria should recognize its critical role in preserving media freedom and facilitating public access to information.
“The government should take swift and decisive action against any violation of press freedom regularly – this should include speaking out against violence against journalists and authorities’ failure/refusal to identify and prosecute attackers.”
Additionally, the NGE urged the federal government to exempt newsprint, broadcast equipment, and all other consumables in the media sector from taxes to prevent the media from collapsing completely.
Today, as the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) stated that the inalienable right to access and disseminate information through an independent press is under attack, and emphasized the critical need to protect the media.
In a press statement issued and signed by the NGE’s President, Mustapha Isah, and General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, and made available to journalists to mark World Press Freedom Day, the professional association of all Nigerian editors stated that while the threat to media freedom is real, the impact on the country’s state of democracy will be very dangerous if not checked.
“Today is a global day intended to remind governments of the importance of upholding their commitment to press freedom. Additionally, it is a day for journalists and other media professionals to reflect on issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
“We must remind Nigerian governments at all levels that a free and independent press capable of informing the public and holding leaders accountable is critical for a strong and sustainable democracy, including free and fair elections.” Without it, Nigerians will be unable to make informed choices about their government and address human rights violations, corruption, and power abuse,” the editors stated.
The Guild expressed concern that elected leaders in Nigeria, who should be trusted to protect press freedom, have made several overt attempts to silence media voices through proposals to criminalize journalism in the country.
Apart from the regular attacks on journalists in the course of their work in the country via obnoxious proposed laws, the Guild stated that the suffocating economic environment and harsh political/economic policies of the federal government have made it nearly impossible for the media sector to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to the benefit of citizens in recent years.
“There is an urgent need to protect the media,” the NGE continued, “because the impact of the government’s suffocating economic and political environment will be extremely dangerous to our democracy.” An attack on the media is an attack on our democracy.
“Governments at all levels must take the lead in ensuring that their actions do not encourage press freedom violations. A democratic society such as Nigeria should recognize its critical role in preserving media freedom and facilitating public access to information.
“The government should take swift and decisive action against any violation of press freedom regularly – this should include speaking out against violence against journalists and authorities’ failure/refusal to identify and prosecute attackers.”
Additionally, the NGE urged the federal government to exempt newsprint, broadcast equipment, and all other consumables in the media sector from taxes to prevent the media from collapsing completely.
“The media is a vital pillar of democracy; it is the lifeblood of the democratic space, and the federal government must intervene urgently to prevent it from collapsing,” the editors added.
While praising journalists, pro-media rights organizations, and others who have remained steadfast in their defense of press freedom and an independent press in the country, the NGE noted that its ongoing Town Hall Meeting and Capacity Building Programme for editors in the six geopolitical zones – sponsored by the US Embassy in Nigeria – have provided an excellent opportunity to remind its members about the ethical values of journalism practice and the importance of strictly adhering to them.
Additionally, the statement stated that editors have resolved to continue setting the agenda for conversation in addressing the country’s major issues – including insecurity, political violence, and others – by creating distinct fora for discussion of the issues by the country’s major stakeholders: the electoral body, civil society organizations, security agencies, political parties, and the electorate.
- Tags: journalism, press
