Janet Samuel, Abuja
Ahead of the governorship election in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa state that is few weeks away, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, ( INEC), Professior Mammod Yakubu has urged Nigerian journalists to adhere to the ethical standards of the profession to enable effective flow of information.
Prof Yakubu gave the advice in a message to a two-day workshop on Monday in Akwanga, Nasarawa state organised by INEC in collaboration with Development Alternative Incorporated (DAI) to train journalists on election coverage with the theme: Ethical, Safety Practices and Critical Issues Relating to the Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa Governorship Elections”,
Represented by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC ), Sam Olumekun, the Chairman noted that true democracy cannot exist without effective information flow, advising the media to be unbiased in their reportage that would guide Nigerians to make informed choices to enhance free, fair and credible election.
The Chairman highlighted the major roles of the media in election coverage to include avail the stakeholders with timely and relevant information pertaining to the electoral process, carry out voter education and public enlightenment; and mobilize the electorate to participate in the electoral processes among others
“The Commission is conscious of the critical role of the media in our political and electoral process and believes that democracy will only grow and flourish through a free and vibrant media. However, a free and vibrant press is also obliged to adhere to professional and ethical standards. Indeed, true democracy cannot exist without effective information flow.’
According to the Chairman, “As first-hand witnesses to the Commission’s activities, the INEC Press Corps members also become the repository of electoral information in Nigeria. This places them at an advantageous position to play important roles in shaping the opinions and editorial policies of their media organizations on issues relating to the programmes and policies of the Commission”.
” The implication is that Press Corps members must be familiar with the Constitutional mandate of the Commission and the roles and powers ascribed to it. They must therefore strive to understand the intendment and nuances of the powers granted to the Commission by the Constitution and the Electoral Act that are expressed in subsidiary legislations including the Commission’s Regulations, Guidelines and Manuals.”
In a goodwill message, the Team Lead of the Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) in Nigeria, Rudolf Elbling said to curb the challenges of misinformation, the media as the watchdog should be highly professional and transparenr during the election coverage.
He charged journalists to be security conscious in any environment they have security challenges.
Also speaking, the National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC) Prof. Kunle Ajayi who appreciated the support of the media in promoting voter education, called on journalists to do away with fake news capable of ruining election management in Nigeria and be objective in their reportage
“I would like at this juncture, to draw the attention of all media representatives here present today to a crucial issue that poses a serious threat to the election process in Nigeria, that is the issue of fake news. 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
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the INEC Press Corps, Segun Ojumu who appreciated the Commission for their support and contribution to the success of the workshop also commended the participants for their commitment to professional and ethical reporting.
