By JKNewsMedia
THE STANDING Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), comprising Managing Directors, Directors of News and Editors in print, broadcast, news agencies and online organisations across the country, convened in Jos, Plateau State, on 17 September 2025, and issued a detailed resolution on critical issues affecting the media, governance and national stability.
The Guild strongly condemned what it described as the abuse of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act by law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, in harassing, intimidating, arresting and illegally detaining journalists.
It stated that such practices undermine democracy and the rule of law and announced that the body would no longer tolerate the misuse of the law against practitioners exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of the press.
The committee emphasised that it would employ all legal avenues to safeguard the fundamental rights of journalists and ensure the continued protection of press freedom and freedom of expression across the country.
It insisted that the Cybercrime Act should be applied strictly for its original intent, which includes tackling financial fraud, identity theft, cyberattacks on computer systems and other genuine cybercrime offences.
The editors reminded security agencies that the Ombudsman mechanism created by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) was designed to handle breaches of journalism ethics.
The statement highlighted that this process had been effective in the past and urged security agencies to respect it by encouraging complainants to channel grievances through the Ombudsman or pursue legal redress, instead of turning security institutions into tools of oppression, intimidation and harassment against journalists.
While reinforcing its commitment to press freedom, the Guild also called on journalists to perform their duties with the highest levels of professionalism by adhering strictly to the Code of Ethics approved by the NPO.
It cautioned against any involvement in blackmail or defamatory practices, reiterating that ethical journalism is central to protecting the credibility of the profession.
The resolutions extended beyond the media sector to the conduct of political actors.
The Guild expressed concern over what it described as increasing excesses among politicians in both government and opposition.
According to the statement, political leaders should focus on substantive governance and national development rather than resorting to personal attacks and name-calling.
It warned that careless public statements by politicians heat up the polity, incite citizens, instigate crises and threaten peace and security.
On governance, the editors reminded the three tiers of government—federal, state and local – that their central obligation is to address issues affecting citizens’ socio-economic wellbeing and national security.
The statement urged public officials to concentrate on fulfilling their responsibilities under the current term of office instead of shifting focus prematurely to future elections.
The Guild also raised strong concerns over the state of insecurity in the country and called on the federal government and security agencies to be more proactive in tackling banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, herder-farmer clashes and other threats.
It emphasised that such efforts are vital to protecting lives, strengthening food security and fostering a safe environment for citizens in all parts of Nigeria.
The Standing Committee concluded its meeting by expressing appreciation to Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang for hosting the editors.
It acknowledged the governor’s efforts to improve the lives of residents and maintain cordial relations among the diverse ethnic groups in the state.
