By Ehichioya Steve Odion
The Executive Director of International Press Center (IPC), Lanre Arogundade has enjoined the government and all its agencies to make sure the safety of Journalists is guaranteed during electoral process devoid of assault and intimidation.
This appeal was made at a two-day interface dialogue meeting with journalists and other critical stakeholders in Edo State on the forthcoming Edo guber election.
Arogundade canvassed for a free, fair, credible and peaceful election in Edo State, adding that all stakeholders must endeavour to play their roles without bias in the best interest of the people.
He equally called on the INEC and the security agencies to conduct themselves in a manner that suits expectations of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He urged them not to take side with any political party or individuals.
"The government should abide by institutional regulatory and frameworks required and guarantee equitable access to state media by political parties and candidates contesting elections.
"The government and its relevant agencies shall ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of any individual or groups alleged to have assaulted or carried out acts of intimidation against the media and journalists during electoral process".
The representative of INEC in the interface dialogue meeting, Olayiwola Toyin said election is a process beginning with steps such as notice of election and considering the electoral act and others that follow.
She said thereafter, there is usually a training for everyone that will be involved in the conduct of the election, including the staff of the commission.
"Media are stakeholders in all the activities of INEC. They must check for facts before giving out information. Such information must be from the Resident Commissioner. The media must wait for the announcement of final results from the commission before publication", she explained.
On his part, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Chidi Nwanbuzor said the command is fully prepared for the election, adding that the command has already rolled out operational orders, knowing the number of officers that will involved in the election. "Mapping out of the polling units comprising total of 4,519 is ongoing. This is important so that we will be able to man them effectively on election day. The likely areas of violence, including the riverine areas as well are already being identified to enable the people carry out their civic responsibility.
He emphasized the need for journalists to get accreditation from INEC for easy identification and for effective participation in monitoring the election.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) represented by its Public Relations Officer, Efosa Ogbebor said their job is very easy, to maintain law and order in conjunction with other security agencies. "We will ensure that they are in all the polling units. We are solidly with the police ".
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe advised journalists to always balance their reports during and after the election and avoid usage of parties parafanenials.
"So far we have not had any issue while doing our work. Please, the police and other security agencies should try as much as possible to cooperate with journalists to enable them do their jobs effectively. INEC must be prepared to make themselves available in case Journalists try to reach out to them for confirmation of some issues concerning the election".
Comrade Dada Ayoukhai who represented the Edo Online Practitioners said the body is meant to support the media and they are made up of trained and qualified Journalists.
"Online journalists should be recognized by the security agencies. INEC should always invite online journalists in all their activities for coverage. We are recognized by the NUJ".
On her Part, the chair person of the National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Edo State Chapter, Adesuwa Ehimuan said the body has been engaged in robust discussions and insightful sessions aimed at ensuring credible, peaceful and inclusive election in Edo State.
"As we round off this forum today, I want to reflect on the progress we have made and the critical role we continue to play in the advancement of our electoral processes and society at large.
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