By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi State has solicited the assistance of media practitioners to provide accurate information about the election slated for November this year.
The commission also said that as an umpire, it is irrevocably committed to a credible election that is supported by technology as voters will be accredited by means of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Gabriel Longpet gave the assurance at a meeting with Media representatives Lokoja yesterday.
Longpet said as the general election approaches, INEC and the media shall continue to work together to counter misinformation to avoid undermining the electoral process.
“We will remain transparent and provide the required information to combat the triple menace of misinformation, disinformation and fake news as the commission does not support censorship.
“We believe that the best antidote to fake news is greater openness and greater transparency. So, we will appeal to the media to help us to fact check, particularly some of the posting on the media intended to unlegitimise those who conduct elections or to the institution that conducts elections with the ultimate aim of undermining the process.
He said that as journalists, “I know you are professionals in your own right but I have learned also in this job for some time now that a professional journalists work on account of the information available to him or her” assuring the of the readiness of the commission to continually provide the information necessary for transparent and credible elections.”
Longpet further said that the collaboration with media practitioners has enhanced; “citizens’ participation and inclusivity in the electoral process, voter education and campaign for peaceful elections.”
The State Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Adeiza Momojimoh said that the introduction of technology in the elections has equally shown that INEC has given the people a right to choose their leaders.
The chairman urged the commission to provide means of protecting journalists during the election adding that “With the leadership recruitment process in Nigeria under your leadership, “we can say authoritatively that it is now for public people to choose their leaders”.
“You have done your own part in leadership recruitment processes and these you have done so well”, he said.
“This we are proud of and we call upon Nigerians to use these opportunities or to seize this opportunity to protect democracy and to protect their own interest.
Speaking, INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Kunle Ajayi said Media remains one of the Commission’s critical stakeholders.
He said aside regular coverage of activities of the commission, media organizations are also accredited to cover elections and electoral activities during general elections and off- cycle elections.
“That is why it is fundamental that we continually interact with the media for effective dissemination of information concerning our processes and procedures and also our plans for free, fair, credible and all-inclusive elections”.
