Cyber Security Act not for persecution,’ NGE faults journalists abduction
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The Nigerian Guild of Editors has condemned the rising incidents of journalists being kidnapped and arrested by safety businesses, notably the Nigeria Police Force, below the pretext of implementing the Cyber Security Act.
The editors warned of the extreme implications such actions may have on press freedom within the nation.
The NGE gave this warning in a press release signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, on Tuesday, on the finish of the group’s Standing Committee assembly held over the weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
“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 CyberSecurity Act.
“We warn of the implications of such illegal actions on press freedom,” the Editors acknowledged.
The NGE additionally criticised the misuse of the Cyber Security Act which was supposed to fight cybercrime, saying it was to not goal journalists fulfilling their democratic duties.
“The professional body of media executives and editors calls for a proper understanding and intention of the Cyber Security Act, declaring that the law was enacted as a legal framework for combating cybercrimes and not for persecuting journalists,” the assertion learn.
Emphasising the position of a free press in a democracy, the editors acknowledged, “Press freedom is the ability of the media to report news and express opinions without government 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.”
Speaking on the tough financial circumstances below which the media operates in Nigeria, the NGE urged the Federal Government to implement financial insurance policies and direct interventions to maintain the media trade.
Addressing the nation’s safety challenges, the editors expressed optimism that the the Federal Government possesses the aptitude to remove terrorists and insurgents, making certain peace and safety for the nation.
“The government must step up its fight against insecurity in certain parts of the country to flush out terrorists and insurgents who have continued to perpetrate mayhem in some communities,” they suggested.
The NGE additionally criticised the Federal Government’s financial insurance policies, which have led to a excessive value of residing whereas it referred to as for sustainable measures to mitigate their results.
The editors, nevertheless, thanked the Rivers State authorities for offering a conducive atmosphere for his or her assembly, commending the state’s peace initiatives.
The assertion reaffirmed the Guild’s dedication to defending press freedom and supporting efforts to reinforce nationwide safety and financial stability.
Over the years, press freedom has been abused with journalists being harassed whereas finishing up their duties.
Earlier, the Nigerian Police Force invited a reporter with PREMIUM TIMES, Emmanuel Agbo, over a yet-to-be-published report that he’s engaged on.
In March, the then editor of FirstNews newspaper, Segun Olatunji, was kidnapped from his house within the Iyana Odo, Abule Egba space of Lagos State by some gunmen connected to the Defence Intelligence Agency.
In an identical growth, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, Daniel Ojukwu, was kidnapped by males of the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police.
Similarly, the Executive Director of the ICIR, Dayo Aiyetan, and its reporter, Nurudeen Akewushola, had been held for 9 hours after honouring the police’s invitation final Tuesday.
