Editors seek repeal of anti-press freedom laws

Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged lawmakers to make laws that protect journalists to guarantee freedom of the press.

The Guild called for the repeal of all anti-press freedom laws in our statutes.

The editors stated this yesterday in a statement by its President Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, to mark World Press Freedom Day.

It said: “The Federal Government will fundamentally be promoting the enabling environment for media to operate responsibly if it adopts a law to protect persons who speak out on matters of public interest against abusive lawsuits meant to silence them.

“The Federal Government should take a cue from the European Union and other democracies around the world, who have adopted similar laws to protect journalists and media houses against Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP suit).

“More so, there are still many obnoxious and anti-media laws in our books that are targeted at journalists and media houses. The National Assembly must take immediate step to repeal them.’’

The statement added that “In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, we believe that journalism and freedom of expression are crucial in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

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‘’Journalism and freedom of expression help in raising public awareness about environmental issues; holding power accountable; amplifying marginalized voices; promoting transparency and accountability; fostering public debate/engagement, and providing a platform for solutions’’.

World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3rd. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, this day helps to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The day also acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It highlights the importance of a free, independent, and pluralistic media in fostering transparency, accountability and democracy.

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