World Press Freedom Day 2026: NHRC, Guild of Editors, SERAP Demand Protection for Journalists

–         Gov Otu: Journalists are guardians of truth, pillars of democracy

Michael Olugbode, Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Bassey Inyang in Calabar 

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark World Press Freedom Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong call for zero tolerance against attacks on journalists, warning that press repression poses a direct threat to democracy.

In a statement commemorating the 2026 observance, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, said a free and independent media remains the “lifeblood” of any democratic society, stressing that press freedom is not a privilege but a fundamental right guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations.

In a related development, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to urgently safeguard press freedom, protect journalists and address rising insecurity and human rights abuses across parts of northern Nigeria.

They made the call in a joint statement issued on Saturday to mark the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, following a conference and interactive session held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Meanwhile, on the same theme, Governor Bassey Out of Cross River State paid glowing tribute to journalists in the state, and across Nigeria, praising their courage, professionalism, and dedication to truth as the nation marked World Press Freedom Day.

In a message by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, to commemorate the day, Governor Otu described journalists as indispensable custodians of democratic values whose work continues to shape society and strengthen the institutions of freedom. 

Felicitating members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, the governor declared: “I warmly salute journalists whose courageous pens illuminate truth, defend liberty, and deepen the foundations of democracy, guiding society with vigilance, integrity, and unyielding purpose.”

Expanding on NHRC’s demand for zero tolerance attacks on journalists, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu underscored the intrinsic link between a vibrant press and democratic governance, noting that societies where journalists operate freely tend to experience greater accountability, transparency, and citizen participation.

Conversely, he warned that any attempt to silence the media undermines public trust and weakens democratic institutions.

“Every threat to a journalist constitutes a direct attack on democracy and the public’s right to know,” he stated, expressing concern over persistent cases of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, assaults, and online harassment targeting media practitioners across Nigeria.

The NHRC boss also condemned the killing of journalists in the line of duty, describing such incidents as grave violations that foster fear and self-censorship within the media space.

According to him, these trends erode the quality of public discourse and hinder the media’s watchdog role.

In response, the Commission has begun systematic tracking and documentation of press freedom violations nationwide. Ojukwu said the findings will be made public to support evidence-based advocacy and strengthen accountability mechanisms for the protection of journalists.

He urged government authorities, security agencies, and non-state actors to refrain from actions that hinder lawful media operations, while calling on law enforcement bodies to conduct prompt and transparent investigations into all reported cases of abuse.

“Silence in the face of attacks on journalists emboldens further violations and erodes public trust,” he warned.

Ojukwu also challenged journalists to uphold professional ethics and remain committed to truth and public interest reporting, even in the face of mounting pressures.

He further called on Nigerians to actively defend press freedom, describing it as a shared responsibility and a cornerstone for safeguarding all other rights in a democratic society.

The annual observance of World Press Freedom Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of a free press and the need to protect media practitioners who risk their lives to inform the public.

Meanwhile, at an event themed “The Role of the Media in Promoting People’s Rights, Accountability, and Access to Justice in the Context of Growing Insecurity in Nigeria,” jointly organised by SERAP and NGE, protecting journalists and preserving information integrity, critical to peace, security and democratic stability, took center stage

According to the two bodies, “Any credible peace, recovery, or security strategy in Nigeria must integrate support for free, independent and pluralistic media alongside humanitarian, institutional and economic responses.”

The organisations expressed concern over persistent killings, kidnappings, sexual violence, forced displacement and destruction of property in states including Benue, Borno, Kwara, Plateau and Sokoto.

They noted that thousands had reportedly been killed, while millions were displaced, with women and children among the worst affected.

“These patterns reflect systemic failures to prevent foreseeable harm, protect communities, investigate violations, prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims,” the statement said.

SERAP and NGE added that the continued insecurity and lack of accountability were weakening public trust and undermining democratic governance.

They urged the federal government and state authorities to guarantee freedom of expression, protect civic space, ensure ethical reporting and publicly recognise that killings, abductions and destruction of property are grave human rights violations.

The groups also called for prompt, thorough and independent investigations into all reported abuses, prosecution of offenders and compensation, restitution and rehabilitation for victims.

They further appealed to Nigerian authorities to establish public reporting systems to track incidents, responses and accountability measures.

The organisations also urged the National Assembly to convene an urgent public hearing on insecurity and attacks on journalists, using its oversight powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution.

They said such a hearing should examine the role of security agencies and other state actors, while leading to stronger reforms for accountability and media freedom.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), who spoke at the event, said entire communities were being destroyed in several parts of northern Nigeria while perpetrators acted with little or no consequences.

“Impunity is not just a failure of justice—it is a driver of further violence,” Falana said.

He added, “Any government that cannot protect its people—or refuses to hold perpetrators accountable—undermines its own legitimacy. Journalists are not the enemy of the State—they are essential partners in exposing abuse, preventing violence and strengthening democracy.”

The conference was attended by senior media executives, civil society groups and other stakeholders, including NGE President and Vanguard Editor, Eze Anaba, Arise TV News Director, Sumner Shagari Sambo, Daily Trust Editor, Hamza Idris, and several editors from leading media organisations.

Meanwhile, on his part, Governor Out of Cross River State noted that the media remains one of democracy’s strongest and most enduring pillars, playing a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of ordinary citizens while ensuring that governance remains accountable to the people. 

According to him, “Your noble calling remains one of democracy’s finest pillars, giving voice to the voiceless, holding power accountable, shaping enlightened public discourse, and preserving our collective conscience through fearless reporting, sacrifice, professionalism, and steadfast patriotism.”

Governor Otu further acknowledged the sacrifices journalists make daily in pursuit of truth, often under difficult and demanding conditions, stressing that their resilience and dedication remain essential to the health and vitality of democratic society.

“The press,” he said, “stands as the living conscience of society, fearlessly speaking truth, enlightening the public mind, and strengthening the bonds between leadership and the people.”

The governor emphasized that beyond reporting events, journalists serve as moral sentinels whose work inspires civic responsibility, promotes transparency, and advances justice and national unity.

“Through your vigilance and integrity,” he stated, “you continue to shape informed citizenship, nurture democratic culture, and uphold the ideals upon which a just and progressive society is built.”

Celebrating the media’s immense contribution to national development, Governor Otu said Cross River remains proud of the vital role journalists continue to play in documenting progress, scrutinizing institutions, and helping to build a more accountable and enlightened society.

“Today,” he said, “Cross River proudly celebrates your immense contributions and stands in admiration of your service to humanity, democracy, and national development.”

He added that the significance of a free and responsible press cannot be overstated, describing it as “democracy’s enduring guardian, a shining beacon of truth, and a timeless hope for justice, peace, accountability, and enlightened national progress.”