NGE raises alarm over cybercrime act misuse, warns against clampdown on press freedom

Marking World News Day today, September 28, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has sounded a strong warning to federal and state authorities against weaponizing existing laws, particularly the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act, to muzzle the press.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild stressed that attempts to stifle journalists under the guise of law enforcement threaten not only press freedom but also the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

“We urge the government at all levels and individuals to stop using repressive laws, including the Cybercrime Act, to harass and intimidate journalists,” the statement declared. The NGE’s choice of words reflects mounting concern within the media community that laws intended for cybersecurity are increasingly being twisted into tools of intimidation.

Marking the global day dedicated to news and truth-telling, the Guild praised journalists in Nigeria and beyond for their resilience in the face of growing hostility. “We salute journalists who work tirelessly to bring us the truth as we recommit to our mission of promoting quality journalism and protecting the rights of journalists to operate freely,” it stated.

The Guild, however, turned the lens inward, urging reporters and editors to uphold professionalism and resist the lure of sensationalism. It reminded practitioners that credibility remains the bedrock of journalism. “We call on journalists to shun fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda, while promoting accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and factual reporting,” the statement noted.

On the persistent issue of access to information, the NGE challenged public officials to stop frustrating journalists. It insisted that strict adherence to the Freedom of Information Act is non-negotiable. “We urge the government to always respect the Freedom of Information Act by freely providing journalists any requested information and aligning itself with the United Nations Universal Day for Access to Information,” it said.

Behind these calls lies a recurring fear: that shrinking civic space and a clampdown on free expression could deepen public distrust in governance. The Guild warned that gagging the media would not only undermine constitutional rights but also erode the democratic process.

Concluding its message, the NGE extended solidarity to journalists worldwide, noting that their struggles are interconnected. It wished Nigerians and the global press community a Happy World News Day, reiterating its resolve to defend the truth against all odds.