Off-cycle Elections: INEC task media executives, journalists to continue to be bulwark against fake news, misleading narratives
As NUJ Chairman implore journalists to recommit themselves to upholding media ethics all the time
By David Lawani, Abuja
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has told the media executives and journalists to continue to be a bulwark against fake news and misinformation saying the best way to check such drive towards it is to ensure openness and transparency.
This was part of the concern the INEC Chairman convey when he met with stakeholders in the media industry during its quarterly consultative meeting stating that media has made INEC work most profound because through their reports the Commission has been able to sustain some of the innovations that it has introduced.
He said: ” I urge you to continue to be a bulwark against fake news and misleading narratives about the Commission and its activities.
A very important reality in today’s age of information technology is the spread of fake news and misinformation instantly and on a global scale. As I said on many occasions, INEC does not believe in censorship.
” The best antidote to fake news is greater openness and transparency. It is in furtherance of this policy that the Commission interfaces regularly with stakeholders through our regular consultative meetings.
” We appreciate our partnership with the media and I want to reassure you that INEC will continue to work closely with you. We welcome your reports, commentaries and analyses on elections in particular and electoral activities in general.
” More specifically, some of the innovations introduced by the Commission to improve service delivery to the electorate, ensure the safety and security of journalists and grant them unimpeded access to various locations during elections and electoral activities draw from your reports as well as the suggestions and recommendations made during our quarterly meetings”, Pro. Yakubu noted.
The INEC Boss noted that for Edo State, 18 Political Parties conducted their primaries monitored by the Commission and by going by the provision of the Timetable for the election, Political Parties have 20 days from 4th March 2024 to upload the list and personal particulars of their candidates to our dedicated web portal.
” As at this morning, 10 Parties have done so. We expect the other Parties to comply before the deadline of 6pm on Sunday 24th March 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down.
” A week later on 31st March 2024, the Commission will publish the personal particulars of the candidates (Form EC9) as required by law. I urge the media and the general public, particularly registered voters in Edo State, to scrutinise the bio-data and credentials of the candidates which is the essence of the publication as provided by law.
” Turning to Ondo State, Political Parties will commence their primaries for the Governorship election in the next two weeks. At the moment, 17 out of 19 Parties have indicated interest in participating in the election.
” I urge media organisations to engage with Political Parties as well as their aspirants and report on the primaries with the same diligence and depth you report on the main election conducted by INEC.
” Doing so will go a long way to strengthen our democracy since only the products of the party primaries are ultimately placed on the ballot paper for citizens to vote for in the main election. Party primaries are as important as the main election conducted by INEC”, he stated.
Speaking in a remarks, the President of the of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Dr Chris Isiguzo MFR at the first quarterly consultative engagement between the INEC and media stated that the conduct of credible elections do not only upholds the principles of democracy but also fosters national unity, stability and progress.
According to him: “The conduct of credible elections not only upholds the principles of democracy but also fosters national unity, stability, and progress. It reinforces the legitimacy of our democratic institutions and reaffirms the people’s trust in the electoral process. Therefore, the responsibility entrusted to INEC to conduct elections with integrity and impartiality cannot be overstated.
I commend the unwavering commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission to upholding the highest standards of electoral integrity and transparency. Your dedication to ensuring that every vote counts and every voice is heard is commendable and serves as a beacon of hope for our democracy.
” Furthermore, I wish to express my profound appreciation to the media for their indispensable role as the watchdogs of democracy. The media plays a crucial role in informing, educating, and mobilizing the electorate, thereby facilitating the exercise of their civic responsibility. Your tireless efforts in promoting public awareness, scrutinizing electoral processes, and holding stakeholders accountable contribute significantly to the integrity and credibility of our electoral system.
” I also commend INEC for sustaining this quarterly engagement with the media, recognizing the media as a key stakeholder in the electoral process. This platform provides an invaluable opportunity for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding between INEC and the media, ultimately enhancing the transparency and effectiveness of our electoral processes.
” Let us recommit ourselves to the noble ideals of democracy, accountability, and civic responsibility. Let us work together tirelessly to ensure that the forthcoming elections in Edo and Ondo states, as well as future elections, are conducted with the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency”, he said.
Leave a Comment