News
NGE Accuses NBC of “Dangerous” Threat to Press Freedom Ahead of Elections
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has strongly condemned the recent threat by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to sanction broadcast presenters for allegedly airing personal opinions or bullying guests, describing the move as a dangerous assault on press freedom and democratic accountability.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, signed by President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the body of editors raised “grave concern” over the NBC’s directive, which warned stations against breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly in news and political programming.
While acknowledging the NBC’s stated goal of improving professional standards, the NGE argued that the commission’s language is “vague and broadly worded,” creating significant room for subjective interpretation and misuse.
“We consider such a move dangerous and injurious to journalism. It amounts to a direct assault on the principles of press freedom, editorial independence and democratic accountability,” the statement read.
“The Guild maintained that the role of journalists is to probe, challenge inconsistencies, and demand accountability, rather than providing a “comfort zone” for public officials. “Democracy does not thrive on timid journalism, but on bold, responsible, and fact-driven interrogation of issues and personalities,” the editors stated.
Warning Ahead of ElectionsWith Nigeria approaching a new election cycle, the NGE warned that the threat of sanctions could weaponize the broadcasting code, encouraging self-censorship and inhibiting the watchdog role of the media.
“This responsibility demands that journalists ask tough, even uncomfortable, questions in the public interest,” the NGE added, vowing that the Nigerian press will not be intimidated in its duty to report without fear or favour.
The Guild urged the regulator to operate with transparency, distinguishing between genuine misconduct and the legitimate exercise of journalistic duty.
The NGE’s stance follows a recent surge in criticism from media rights groups against the NBC’s latest regulatory crackdown.
A joint security operation against terrorists has led to the rescue of nine persons in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to inside sources, Forest Guards, under the supervision of the Directorate of Security Services and working with members of the local hunters and vigilante group, embarked on bush-combing operations. They discovered a hideout of the kidnappers and engaged them.
Nine persons were rescued in two separate operations in the forest of Obbo Aiyegunle. One of the kidnappers was neutralised while others fled with gunshot injuries.
One of the rescued persons is said to be receiving medical care at an undisclosed medical facility in the local government.
News
Zamfara LG Chairman Abduction: Security operatives intensify rescue efforts
Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted Chairman.
• Family of the abducted Zamfara LG Chairman
Aliyu Danjal, Lieutenant Colonel Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed that on hearing gunshots, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately and swiftly moved to the scene where they engaged in hot pursuit of the terrorists leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
News
IGP Disu orders officers to shoot anyone carrying illegal firearms
Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers across the country to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as part of intensified efforts to curb insecurity.
Disu issued the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, saying the move followed President Bola Tinubu’s instruction that the lingering security crisis in the state must be brought to an end.
The police chief maintained that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, warning that law enforcement agencies would no longer tolerate the unlawful possession of weapons.
” You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” he said.
Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
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