The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed concern over the reported threat by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to sanction broadcast presenters accused of presenting personal opinions as facts or bullying guests during live programmes.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild described the move as “dangerous and injurious to journalism.”
The NGE said the directive amounts to “a direct assault on the principles of press freedom, editorial independence and democratic accountability,” warning that it could undermine the role of the media in a democratic society.
While acknowledging the regulatory role of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, the Guild argued that the statement was vague and broadly worded, making it open to multiple interpretations and possible misuse.
It warned that such ambiguity could lead to selective application against journalists and media organisations performing legitimate professional duties.
The editors also raised concerns over the interpretation of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, describing it as “inherently subjective.”
According to the Guild, allowing the NBC to act as the sole arbiter of what constitutes rigorous questioning could open the door to regulatory abuse.
It warned that this could “weaponise the broadcasting code to induce self-censorship among broadcasters, stifle legitimate journalistic inquiry, and silence critical voices.”
The NGE reaffirmed that journalists have a duty to ask probing questions and hold public officials accountable, especially during interviews.
It stressed that journalism plays a crucial watchdog role in society, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle where access to accurate information remains essential for voters.
