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The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has extended its warmest Ramadan greetings to the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Muslim community, and Muslims across the globe. The Guild emphasized the importance of the holy month as a period of spiritual reflection, sacrifice, and devotion, while urging prayers for the nation’s progress, peace, and stability.

In a statement signed by its President, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, NGIJ highlighted the unique opportunity presented by Ramadan for collective prayer and action toward national development. “Ramadan is a sacred time that calls for deep reflection and dedication. We urge all Muslims to use this holy period to seek divine intervention for Nigeria’s unity, progress, and good governance,” the statement read.

The Guild prayed for the leadership of the country, asking Allah (SWT) to bestow wisdom, strength, and sincerity upon President Tinubu and other leaders to enable them to govern with fairness and justice. It also called on Nigerians to foster peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and a shared commitment to nation-building, emphasizing that the country’s socioeconomic revival requires both collective effort and divine guidance.

Reaffirming its commitment to the principles of press freedom and justice, NGIJ used the occasion to draw attention to the challenges faced by investigative journalists in the country. The Guild expressed deep concern over the continued persecution of journalists, specifically citing the case of those detained in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre due to a Cyberstalking case involving GTCO and its Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje. It described such actions as a threat to democracy and a violation of fundamental human rights.

“The continuous harassment and incarceration of journalists are unacceptable and pose a grave danger to democracy and accountability in Nigeria. We call on the government, judiciary, and all stakeholders to protect journalists from undue intimidation and to uphold the sanctity of investigative journalism as a vital pillar of democracy,” the Guild stated.

NGIJ also urged well-meaning Nigerians, human rights advocates, and legal practitioners to speak out against the suppression of press freedom and to support the release of detained journalists. The Guild stressed the need for solidarity in defending the freedoms that underpin a thriving democratic society.

As Nigeria continues to face economic, security, and political challenges, the Guild called on Muslims to use Ramadan as a time to renew their faith, strengthen their commitment to truth and justice, and contribute meaningfully to national development. It concluded with prayers for the well-being of the Muslim Ummah, asking Allah (SWT) to grant all believers good health, spiritual fulfillment, and abundant rewards during this sacred month.

“We remain steadfast in our dedication to ethical journalism, social justice, and the principles of free speech and investigative reporting. Together, with divine intervention and collective effort, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and achieve lasting peace and prosperity,” the Guild concluded.

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