The editors reaffirm the commitment to the freedom of the press in the World News Day

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) joined the global community in the commemoration of the World News Day, underlining the importance of journalism based on facts as the foundation of a healthy democracy.

The NGE, in a declaration issued on Saturday by its president, Eze Anaba, and the secretary general, Onuohe Ukeh, has reaffirmed the commitment to promote high editorial standards, protect the freedom of the press and defend the rights of journalists to work without intimidation.

The editors said: “While celebrating the World News Day, we notice the challenges that journalism has to face in Nigeria, in particular the growing attempts to suppress the freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

“We will always be stopped to defend the rights of journalists, promote high ethical standards in our noble profession and resist any move to harass and intimidate journalists or prevent journalism.”

The editors invited journalists throughout the country to avoid false news, disinformation, disinformation and propaganda, supporting while supporting the principles of accuracy, equity, objectivity and truth in their report.

The NGE also urged the government at all levels to stop using repressive laws, including the IT crime law (prohibition and prevention, etc.), to intimidate journalists.

He also requested rigorous respect for the Freedom of Information Act by granting journalists without restrictions on public information, in line with the Universal United Nations universal for access to information.

The publishers added: “Fact -based journalism provides citizens with accurate and reliable information, allowing them to make informed decisions.

“Any success in gathering the media will endanger democracy and freedom of expression”.

The guild congratulated Nigerian journalists and the public on the occasion of the World News Day, urging all the Nigerians to “choose the truth, the facts and journalism” as a way to strengthen democratic governance.

The World News Day, marked on September 28, is an international initiative aimed at highlighting the value of journalism based on the facts and its role in enhancing citizens.

Related