**To deploy 1,255 journalists from 94 media houses
By Harry Awurumibe Editor Abuja Bureau
To ensure the safety of Journalists on elections duty, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will henceforth intercede with the security agencies to grant newsmen/women unimpeded access to Polling and Collation locations across the country especially in the November 11 governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.
This cheering news was made public by the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu during the Quarterly Consultative Meeting between the Commission and Media held at INEC Conference Room, Abuja on Thursday just as he revealed that the Commission will engage with the security agencies both at the national level and in the three states to ensure that journalists do their work without hindrance.
Yakubu who was flanked by several INEC National Commissioners and top aides at the meeting restated the close partnership between the Commission and Nigerian media as an important stakeholder, saying that both have enjoyed a rosy relationship and promised that it will be sustained and strengthened further.
Said he: We are proud of our close collaboration with the media. With 83 media organisations (print, broadcast and online) represented by 130 journalists, the INEC Press Corps is one of the most diverse and vibrant in Nigeria. This close partnership will be sustained and strengthened”.
The INEC boss reminded the media representatives that the Commission will continue to let the media into its activities especially in the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states, pointing out that INEC has continued to share with the media its plans and preparations for the elections.
” You may recall that at our last meeting, we promised to share with you our plans and preparations for the off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States scheduled for Saturday 11th November 2023. I am glad to note that many of you here today are either directly involved in the coverage of the election or deploying teams of journalists to the three States.
“In fact, our updated statistics show that 94 media organisations, deploying 1,255 personnel, have been accredited for the elections. In the next few days, the accredited media organisations will be notified of the date for the collection of the identity cards for their officials”, Yakubu said.
Meanwhile, Yakubu said that election is a multi-stakeholder activity and in discharging its responsibilities, INEC will continue to engage with all stakeholders, pointing out that one of such engagements is with the security agencies hence both will discuss the need for the security agencies to give the media access to do its duty.
Said he: “In previous elections, media organisations have expressed concern about the safety of journalists, technical staff and protection of the equipment you deploy on Election Day. READ ALSO:
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“Similarly, you have on several occasions urged the Commission to intercede with the security agencies to grant you unimpeded access to polling and collation locations. I want to reassure you that we will continue to do so as we engage with the security agencies both at the national level and in the three States.
“At the same time, I wish to remind all media organisations to strictly adhere to the ethics of your profession. We welcome reports on the election. At the same time, you should form a bulwark against fake news.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission does not believe in censorship. We have said repeatedly that the best antidote to fake news is greater openness and regular and consistent engagement with stakeholders. We will continue to work together in this regard”.
The INEC Chairman and his management team used the forum to review the 2023 General Election and brief the media practitioners on the preparations and safeguards to ensure a hitch-free off-cycle governorship elections in the three states.
Those present at the third and final quarterly consultative meeting for the year 2023 are the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo who was represented; President and Council Members of the NIPR; Media Executives and Heads of Various Media Organisations Editors and Senior Journalists.
