Communique issued by NGE after its September 11 Standing Committee Meeting in Kano

FOR YOUR RECORDS

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The Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held its meeting in Kano, Kano State, on Friday, September 11, 2026.

After extensive deliberations on issues relating to the media, political campaigns, press freedom, national security and the state of the nation, the Guild resolved as follows:

1. The Guild urges the media to remain professional and uphold the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their duties, with fairness, objectivity, accuracy and factuality guiding their reportage.

2. The Guild expresses concern over the increasing violations of press freedom and the harassment, intimidation and prosecution of journalists by security agencies through the use of cybercrime legislation and other laws that have the potential to undermine legitimate journalistic practice.

3. The Guild urges governments at all levels and members of the public to uphold and respect freedom of the press as a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance. It calls for constructive engagement with the media and urges aggrieved parties to channel complaints through the Media Ombudsman established jointly by the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), rather than resorting to threats, intimidation or violence against journalists and media organisations.

4. The Guild advises the Federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment for all political parties and their candidates to conduct their campaigns freely and fairly, including the lawful outdoor display of party symbols and the airing of campaign slogans.

5. The Guild urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all other agencies involved in preparations for the 2027 general election to ensure a level playing field for all political parties, including the ruling and opposition parties, without bias or discrimination. This, it notes, is essential to building public confidence, trust and electoral integrity.

6. The Guild calls on politicians and political parties to engage in issue-based campaigns, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and adhere strictly to the rules governing political campaigns as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.

7. The Guild calls on the Federal Government to remain steadfast in implementing its reforms, while ensuring that the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians remain at the centre of all policy decisions and actions.

8. The Guild expresses concern over the deteriorating condition of federal roads across the country, which has imposed enormous hardship on motorists, commuters and businesses. It therefore calls on the Federal Government to redouble its efforts towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of roads to facilitate the free movement of people and goods and stimulate economic activities.

9. The Guild commends the nation’s security agencies for the successes recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality. It, however, calls for sustained and coordinated efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and national unity.

10. The Guild expresses its profound appreciation to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as the government and people of Kano State, for creating the enabling environment for the Standing Committee meeting and for their warm hospitality. The Guild reminds all stakeholders that good governance, the welfare of the people, peace, progress and respect for democratic values remain cardinal pillars of a stable and prosperous society.

Signed:
Eze Anaba
President

Onuoha Ukeh
General Secretary