2 months ago
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By Jethro Ibileke
Ahead of the 21 September governorship election in Edo State, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun, has urged journalists to shun sensationalism and bias, or broadcasting anything that could incite violence during the election.
He stated this on Friday in Benin, at a one-day forum for Reporters, Producers and On-Air media personalities.
Olumekun who was represented by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, described journalists as an indispensable link between the electorate and the electoral process.
He said: “As the fourth estate of the realm, the media is not just a conveyor of information but also a vital player in the democratic process, particularly during elections. Your work influences public perception, informs voter decisions, and upholds the integrity of the electoral process.
“The Media is an indispensable partner in the conduct of elections. Your role extends beyond mere reporting; you are the bridge between the electorate and the electoral process.
“Through your platforms, you educate voters on their rights, responsibilities, and the procedures of the electoral process. You highlight the manifestos and policies of candidates, facilitating informed choices by the electorate.
“Your investigative journalism brings transparency, exposing malpractices and ensuring accountability.
“In an era of misinformation and fake news, your role as gatekeepers of factual information is critical. It is through your dedication to truth and accuracy that voters are protected from misleading narratives that could compromise the integrity of the elections.”
Olumekun while appealing to journalists to help mobilize the citizens for PVC collection, also urged them to get abreast with the Electoral Act, to effectively carry out their reportage.
In his word: “We appeal to you to support INEC by using your platforms to create awareness about this exercise and to mobilise citizens to pick up these cards within the stipulated period of time.
“To effectively carry out your duties, journalists and on-air personalities must be well-versed in the legal framework governing elections. The Electoral Act 2022 is the foundation of our electoral processes and a thorough understanding of its provisions is necessary for accurate reporting and analysis.
“The Act introduced several significant reforms aimed at enhancing the credibility of our elections. There are creative and innovative provisions in the Act that will impact the electoral process, and the conduct of the Governorship election in Edo State. The media must have good knowledge of the provisions of the Act.
“Understanding these changes is crucial for your coverage not only to inform the public, but also to educate them on the legalities of the electoral process.
“Your knowledge of the Electoral Act 2022 will also help in setting the right narrative and ensuring that any breaches of the law are brought to public attention. It empowers you to hold candidates, political parties, and even INEC accountable, ensuring that the law is upheld throughout the electoral process.
“While the legal framework provides the structure, the code of conduct for Election Coverage guides your professional conduct during this critical period. The code emphasizes the need for fairness, balance, and impartiality in reporting. It also stresses the importance of refraining from publishing or broadcasting information that could incite violence, spread hate speech, or promote divisiveness.
“Adherence to this code is non-negotiable. It is your professional responsibility to ensure that your coverage contributes to a peaceful and credible electoral process. Sensationalism or bias in reporting can undermine the integrity of the election and potentially lead to unrest. Therefore, I urge you to be guided by the principles of accuracy, fairness, and responsibility in all your election-related content.
“INEC is committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in Edo State. We rely on your partnership to achieve this goal. Your role is not only to report events but also to hold all stakeholders, including INEC accountable and ensure that the electoral process remains transparent and unbiased.
“As we move forward, let us remember the importance of accuracy, fairness, and responsibility in our coverage. Together, we can uphold the democratic principles that are fundamental to our nation’s progress and prosperity,” he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the administrative secretary of INEC, Emmanuel Ogbodu, noted that the essence of the media parley was to engage the media as an important partner of the Commission, with a view to understand the modus of operations and the legal side to the election.
Ogbodu enjoined all journalists to dedicate themselves to understand the presentations.
