Victor Ezeja
Perturbed by the increasing impact of legislations hindering free speech and media freedom, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has set up a five-man committee to start the process of amending or repealing anti-media laws.
According to a statement jointly signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the professional body of editors/media executives, expressed concern about the negative impact of obnoxious legislations on Nigeria’s democracy and press freedom.
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The statement said the committee will work closely with National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the office of Minister of Information and National Orientation, and other stakeholders.
The NGE observed that these laws, some of which were enacted during colonial period, are undermining accountability and transparency at all levels of government. Highlighting the negative impact of such legislation, the group said: “Anti-media laws can make it more difficult for journalists to hold those in power accountable, allowing corruption and abuse of power to go unchecked.”
It added that “These anti-media laws also have the capacity to restrict the ability of Nigerians to express their opinions and participate in robust public conversation that is capable of undermining the fundamental right to free speech.’’
It said that anti-media laws heighten lack of trust in public institutions, including the government, judiciary, and media, thereby undermining their legitimacy in line with democratic principles.
“They can also concentrate power in the hands of political elite and those in government, allowing them to control the narrative and suppress dissenting voices, including opposition parties, civil society organizations, and individual activists, as we are currently witnessing in the country.”
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The guild stated that, in accordance with the federal government’s agenda, its interest in the issues goes beyond the need to establish the conditions necessary for press freedom and free speech to thrive. More significantly, it is committed to strengthening the nation’s democracy and, consequently, good governance at all governmental levels.
Members of the the committee include former Editor-In-Chief/Managing Director of The Guardian, Martins Oloja; General Secretary of the NGE, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren; a lawyer/former Editor of Punch Newspaper, Gbemiga Ogunleye; a media rights activist and member of NGE, Richard Akinnola; and Deputy Editor-In-Chief/Chairman, Editorial Board of Daily Trust, Idris Hamza.
