The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has challenged media organisations to continue to be the bulwark against fake news, misinformation and disinformation.
Chairman of the commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, gave the charge at the 3rd quarterly consultative meeting with the media preparatory to the Edo and Ondo states governorship elections in Abuja on Wednesday.
He reminded the media of their obligation as journalists to report factually and accurately about the election and electoral activities in compliance with the ethics of their noble profession.
Yakubu urged them to expedite action by ensuring that all interested media organisations submitted their applications before the deadline of Thursday 5th September 2024.
The INEC chairman said that this would enable the commission to produce and deliver the accreditation tags for their reporters, camera operators, technical and other support staff in good time for the election.
“As the Edo state governorship approaches, I wish to remind media organisations that the portal for media accreditation (https://imap.inecnigeria.org) is still open.
“As at 8.02am today, Wednesday 31st July 2024, 24 media organisations representing print, radio, television and online have uploaded the details of 227 personnel for the election” he said.
Prof Yakubu explained that the commission was concerned about the safety of media personnel and equipment just as they are about the security of their own officials, observers, service providers and, above all, the voters.
“We will also work with the security agencies to ensure that accredited journalists are granted unimpeded access to all voting and collation locations.
“I urge you to fully comply with the Nigerian media code of election coverage.
“Similarly, you are required to comply with the INEC guidelines for media accreditation available on our website www.inecnigeria.org. It is now 51 days to the Edo state governorship election coming up on Saturday 21st September 2024.”
National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, described the Supreme Court judgment that granted autonomy to local governments as a major stride towards strengthening Nigeria’s democracy at the grassroots level.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to weigh in on a significant recent development – the Supreme Court judgment which granted full autonomy to local government administrations. This landmark ruling is a major stride towards strengthening our democracy at the grassroots level.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people, and their autonomy is crucial for effective governance and a major stride towards strengthening our democracy at the grassroots level. Their autonomy is crucial for effective governance and development.
“However, for this autonomy to be truly conclusive and impactful, there is a need for constitutional amendments by the National Assembly. Specifically, the relevant sections of the constitution should be amended to empower INEC to conduct elections for local governments across the country.
“Currently, INEC enjoys constitutional authority to conduct national and sub-national elections. Extending this authority to include the third tier of government will ensure uniformity, credibility, and efficiency in the electoral process,” he said.