By, IBRAHIM ADAMU; Kaduna
Members of National Assembly have been urged to make Presidential and governorship debates compulsory in next amendments of the Electoral Act, so that candidates seeking elective positions could be scrutinized by voters.
President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzor made the appeal in a paper presentation he made at a two-day workshop organized by Centre for Democracy and Development (CDC) in partnership with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for members of the press and Civil Society Organizations for North-West Zone in Kano.
Isiguzor decried lack of adequate awareness on the side of the voters whom he said had not been carried along in the process of initiating and amending the electoral acts which he noted should be dominated by inputs of the masses.
He challenged journalists to avoid inflammatory reportage before, during and after the 2023 general election so the country would once again witness a peaceful and credible transition.
The head of the Fourth Estate of the Realm enjoined journalists to be patriotic to their fatherland by adhering strictly to ethics of the profession.
He mentioned truth, accuracy, clarity, faithfulness to the nation and above all loyalty to keep Nigeria as one united entity as must for election reporters, saying these should be the hallmark of a good journalist.
HOD, Voter Education of INEC, Kano State, Adam Maulud called on media practitioners to rise above ethnic, religious and political leanings while in the fields of performing their constitutional duty of monitoring the election so voters can be informed and enlightened on their civic responsibilities of participating fully in the process of deciding political office holders.
He disclosed that the commission was still distributing Permanent voter card (PVCs l) for those who registered in first and second quarter registration, adding that the third and last quarter would commence in December, 2022.
He declared that PVCs had no expiry date and should be valid for all elections in Nigeria.
Adekunle Abiodun from the CDC reiterated commitment of the Centre to assiduously work with major stakeholders to sensitize and mobilize the electorate so there would be huge turnout for the 2023 general election.
Abiodun stated that paucity of information on electoral process could lead to voter apathy which he said must be avoided in the next general election.
