OFF-CYCLE ELECTION: INEC TASK MEDIA ON PROFESSIONALISM

Khadijat Yusuf

Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC says it is satisfied about it's collaborations with the.Media.

INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said this at the quarterly consultative meeting with the media at the commission's headquarters in Abuja. He said the INEC press corp with over 100 members is the most vibrant.

In his words, "We are proud of our close collaboration with the media. With 83 media organisations (print, broadcast and online) represented by 130 journalists, the INEC Press let Corps is one of the most diverse and vibrant in Nigeria. This close partnership will be sustained and strengthened.

The INEC boss also hinted that the view engagement for the last meeting which was focused on the review of the 2023 general election review has been concluded.

'You may recall that our last meeting focused on the review of the last General Election as part of a wider consultation with stakeholders. The review engagements have been concluded. The report is being finalized. So too is the main report on the 2023 General Election. As soon as they are published, the Commission will, as usual, share the reports with Nigerians."

"We believe that the two documents will contribute to the ongoing conversation towards improving the future conduct of elections in " we promised to share with you our plans and preparations for the off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States scheduled for Saturday 11th November 2023. I am glad to note that many of you here today are either directly involved in the coverage of the election or deploying teams of journalists to the three States."

"In fact, our updated statistics show that 94 media organisations, deploying 1,255 personnel, have been accredited for the elections. In the next few days, the accredited media organisations will be notified of the date for the collection of the identity cards for their officials," he said.i

"In discharging our responsibilities, we will continue to engage with all stakeholders. One of such engagements is with the security agencies. In previous elections, media organisations have expressed concern about the safety of journalists, technical staff and protection of the equipment you deploy on Election Day. "

"Similarly, you have on several occasions urged the Commission to intercede with the security agencies to grant you unimpeded access to polling and collation locations. I want to reassure you that we will continue to do so as we engage with the security agencies both at the national level and in the three States."

The INEC boss expectedly task the media to adhere to ethics of the profession. He said this is the only way, fake news and miscommunication can be nipped in the bud.

"At the same time, I wish to remind all media organisations to strictly adhere to the ethics of your profession. We welcome reports on the election. At the same time, you should form a bulwark against fake news."

" For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission does not believe in censorship. We have said repeatedly that the best antidote to fake news is greater openness and regular and consistent engagement with stakeholders. We will continue to work together in this regard," the INEC boss concluded.