Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu,on Tuesday tasked the media on facts and ethics of the profession in their reportage for a peaceful conduct of the Governorship election in Kogi
The Chairman gave the task during the commission’s meeting with Media Executives in Kogi as part of preparation for the 2023 Governorship Election in the State.
Represented by his Media Aide, Mr Rotimi Olakanmi, the chairman explained that the appeal became imperative considering the unfortunate daily occurrence of moving away from facts by the social media in their reportage in recent times.
“As stakeholders, the media should refuse the temptation to move away from facts as being seen in the social media, where fake News have become the order of the day.
“Let’s practice in accordance with the ethics of the profession and the laws of the land to help INEC succeed in its task of conducting credible, peaceful and successful election in Kogi come Nov 11, ” he said.
Earlier In his welcome address, Dr Gabriel Longpet, Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), described the media as ‘very critical ” partners and stakeholders to the Nov. 11 governorship election and should assist the Commission to succeed in its assignment.
Longpet said that INEC was well prepared and ready for the conduct of the election devoid of any rancour for the growth and development of Kogi.
“All we want is for the people of Kogi to demonstrate a change of attitude towards the election and ensure that the election is peaceful, credible and peaceful.
“Therefore, Political actors should not do anything that will negatively affect the outcome of the election, but should support the Commission to succeed for the good of the state, ” he said.
The Kogi Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji MomohJimoh Adeiza, lauded the commission for organizing the media parley, which he said was the first of its kind since the creator of Kogi
Adeiza pleaded with the commission to provide Journalists with the accreditation cards and other materials needed especially reflective jackets that could help distinguish them from others for security reasons.
He assured INEC of Journalists readiness to give the Nov. 11 governorship election the desired coverage for peaceful, credible and successful election in the state.
