Editors lament violations of Media Freedom, Call for Reform
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed concern over alleged attempts by National Assembly members and officials of the executive arm of government to stifle media freedom and criminalize journalism practice in the country.
In a statement issued to mark World Press Freedom Day, the NGE called on the incoming government to prioritize and implement deliberate policies and programs aimed at promoting freedom of expression, media freedom and the safety of journalists.
While reacting to the case of two investigative journalists, Gidado Shuaib and Alfred Olufemi, who were recently convicted by a lower court in Kwara State, the editors said they ought not to have been charged, let alone convicted.
“Cases of journalists who are deprived of their inalienable rights due to their work continue to occur over and over again. Cases of harassment, intimidation, violence – and even murder – have been documented in the past eight years – by both local and international pro-media rights groups,” the NGE stated.
The NGE promised to engage with the incoming government to amend and reform the National Broadcasting Commission Act and the Broadcast Code of Conduct to align with global best practices.
“We share the popular notion that freedom of the media is indispensable for the protection of all other human rights. Instances abound where inhuman treatment, torture, corruption, misuse of power, impunity and nepotism were exposed because of the reports by the media. Informing members of the public is often the first and essential step to begin remedying human rights violations and holding governments to account.
“Disturbing signs of repression, violations of media freedom and several cautious attempts to criminalise journalism practice have been observed in the past few years in our country. There have been different forms of control, censorship, and pressure over the content of mass media in Nigeria, especially the broadcast stations, which have hindered their independence and pluralism.
