Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has decried the rising abduction and arrest of journalists by security agencies, especially operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, under the guise of enforcing the Cyber Security Act.
NGE, in a press statement co-signed by its President, Mr Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, at the end of the guild’s Standing Committee meeting in Port Harcourt, also warned of the consequences of such illegal action on press freedom in the country.
The statement noted that the meeting deliberated on the state of the media with emphasis on the increasing spate of abduction and arrest of journalists in the country – under the guise of enforcing the Cyber Security Act, and warned of the implications of such illegal actions on press freedom.
The guild called for a proper understanding and intention of the Cyber Security Act, declaring that “the law was enacted as a legal framework for combating cyber crimes and not for persecuting journalists who are performing their legitimate duties in a democracy.
“Press freedom is the ability of the media to report news and express opinion without government’s interference, censorship or retribution. It is a fundamental human right essential for a healthy democracy, allowing citizens to access accurate information, hold leaders accountable and participate in informed public discourse’’, the statement reads.
Besides, NGE congratulated President Bola Tinubu’s administration on its one year anniversary and called urged it to step up its fight against insecurity.
However, it expressed appreciation to the Rivers State government for providing a conducive environment for hosting the meeting.
AljazirahNigeria reports that NGE is the professional body of media executives and editors.
