INEC tasks journalists on professionalism, ethics in off-cycle elections.
Joel Oladele, Abuja
Ahead of the Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States off-cycle governorship elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has charged journalists to report electoral issues with a deep sense of professionalism, journalistic ethics, and high standards.
This appeal was made by the National Commissioner and member, Information and Voters Education Committee (IVEC) of the Commission, Prof. Kunle Ajayi at a two-day capacity building and workshop for INEC Press Corp in Akwanga, Nasarawa State on Monday.
Speaking on the theme of the workshop “Ethical, Safety Practices and Critical Issues Relating to the Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa Governorship Elections”, Ajayi said “electoral processes in Nigeria are particularly delicate, considering the uniqueness and sensitivity of election management generally. This is because elections, particularly so in Nigeria, are perceived as very high-stakes game, so much so that some people negatively tag it as a “do or die affair.”
He therefore called on members of the 4th Estate of the Realm to do away with fake news capable of heating up the polity.
“The Commission’s distasteful experience with fake news in the 2023 General Elections has shown that, if not nipped in the bud, fake news can become the bane of election management in Nigeria.
“The alarming prevalence of misinformation, ‘fake news’, hate speech, and the weaponization of disinformation has become very worrisome to the Commission. Disinformation is used to provoke religious, political, and tribal sentiments in an already polarized society such as ours, especially, during election season, which is often the leading cause of electoral violence and uprisings.
“Election-related disinformation has become a major strategy used by nefarious individuals and groups in the political space to manipulate the general public to their advantage, regardless of the consequential effect such propaganda may have on the peace and stability of the electoral process and the country at large.
“Consequently, to create an environment of peace where the electorate feels safe and free to come out to exercise their franchise on election day, we, therefore, appeal to the media in general to be objective and unbiased in their reporting and avoid fake news and inflammatory and sensational news.
“The Press must commit to delivering thorough, verified, and unbiased information, pulled from credible sources to the public. At the same time, they must refrain from reporting information that encourages divisions or antagonistic discussions, which are likely to incite violence or endanger social life.
“In essence, in reporting the activities of the Commission; pre-election, election, and post-election activities, we plead with the media to be factual, objective, and professional in their reportage. Journalists covering the elections should on no account, interfere with the processes and procedures of voting or in any way distract the attention of Presiding Officers in the performance of their duties.” Ajayi urged.
Speaking further, the INEC National Commissioner said the Commission on its part will be as transparent as possible.
“On our part, as an electoral body, we will remain transparent in all our activities and consequently communicate all relevant information to the media. When necessary, feel free to fact-check any considered grey areas for clarity from the Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Department of the Commission.”
He also urged newsmen to be security conscious as they go about their professional duties in the forthcoming off-cycle elections.
“Furthermore, in the quest for timely reporting, I must strongly admonish members of the INEC Press Corps to be safety and security conscious. Bayelsa and Kogi have pockets of flood-prone areas with high water levels, for those to be deployed to such areas, please endeavour to have your life jackets as part of your essential field gear.
“Finally, for areas that are marked as high-risk locations, please ensure you have your media-accredited tags at all times, and establish a cordial relationship with the security agencies, as we are all equal stakeholders in the effort to ensure a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election.” He cautioned.
Earlier, in his welcome speech, the Chairman, INEC Press Corps, Segun Ojumu expressed confidence in the potential impacts of the workshop and appreciated stakeholders for their unwavering supports.
“I am confident that this workshop will significantly contribute to the professionalism and effectiveness of the INEC Press Corps. By improving their skills in ethical reporting and enhancing their safety awareness, the workshop will contribute to the overall integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and the entire INEC management team for their support for this workshop. I would also like to thank the IVEC Chair and Directors and Deputy Directors, the DG of the Electoral Institute as well as the DAI, for their contributions.
“Finally, I would like to thank all of you my dear colleagues for participating in this workshop. Your commitment to professional and ethical reporting is essential to the success of our democracy.” Ojumu noted.
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