Esther Salifu
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has urged the media to intensify accurate reportage ahead of the Ondo State Governorship election emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring peaceful elections.
Yakubu made the call during the fourth quarterly consultative meeting with media organizations.
He highlighted the importance of accurate reporting, especially now that campaign by political parties and candidates is in full swing.
He disclosed that in preparation for the forthcoming election in Ondo state, a total of 64,273 PVCs were collected by voters out of the 89,777 cards delivered to the State.
“As part of our preparations for the election, the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), mainly from the recent voter registration, ended three days ago.
Yakubu further stated that the Commission is glad to announce the accreditation of 112 national and international media organisations,
newspaper, radio, television and online papers.
” We are deploying over 700 journalists, technicians and other personnel to facilitate the coverage of the election. The detailed breakdown of the media organisations and the number of personnel to be deployed will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information”.
The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo in response to the opening speech by the INEC Chairman stated that the meeting holds particular significance as it comes less than 12 hours before the 10th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
“This year, the theme is “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies”, which brings into focus the security threats and physical dangers that journalists encounter daily, especially during critical coverage such as elections or investigative reporting”.
“Let us work together to protect the rights of journalists, secure their safety, and continue building a nation that values truth, democracy, and justice,” said Comrade Chris Isiguzo.
INEC has also released the timetable and schedule of activities for the Anambra State governorship election, as required by law, to provide ample time for preparation.
He also announced the accreditation of 112 national and international media organisations, deploying over 700 journalists, technicians, and other personnel to facilitate their coverage of the election
The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, responded to Yakubu’s speech, emphasizing the significance of protecting journalists’ rights and safety, particularly during critical coverage such as elections or investigative reporting. He stressed the need to build a nation that values truth, democracy, and justice.
