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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting journalists and media Organisations in Ondo State as they prepare for the upcoming Governorship Election scheduled for 16th November 2024.
INEC assured that it would work closely with the media to ensure they effectively carry out their duties in the lead-up to the election.
The Commission emphasized that strengthening collaboration with the media is a panacea to misinformation and fake news in the electoral process.
The Hon. National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun mni, reaffirmed INEC’s commitment during two separate engagements with the Journalists, On-Air Personalities, Producers and Media Executives in Ondo State. The meetings took place on Tuesday, 22nd October and Wednesday, 23rd October 2024 in Akure, the State capital.
The meetings were part of INEC’s ongoing engagements to ensuring that key stakeholders in the electoral process including the media, are well-informed about the processes, procedures and preparations for the upcoming election.
Speaking on behalf of the IVEC Chairman, the Hon. Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola acknowledged the vital role of the media in fostering sound democratic ideals. In his words “The role of the media as gatekeepers of information cannot be overemphasized. You are the critical link between the citizens and the electoral process, playing a central role in shaping public opinion, informing voters and fostering a democratic environment where all voices can be heard. The responsibility of providing accurate, timely and fair information falls heavily on your shoulders.”
He reiterated that “INEC remains committed to supporting the media in carrying out its duties effectively. We will continue to provide you with timely and accurate information, access to electoral materials and platforms for regular engagement. We are also open to constructive feedback that will help improve our processes. We see the media not just as observers but as partners in progress, and we value the critical role you play in ensuring that elections are conducted transparently and peacefully.”
Addressing the issue of fake news and the role of the media in tackling the menace, the Hon. National Commissioner stated “As the election draws near, the threat of fake news remains a significant concern. Misinformation has the potential to incite unnecessary tension and violence and we must collaborate to prevent this. I urge you to exercise caution and be diligent in verifying any information before disseminating it, particularly when it pertains to the Commission’s activities and the electoral process.
By upholding the highest standards of professionalism, you can play a key role in curbing the spread of fake news and ensuring that the public receives accurate and credible information,”
Regarding security for Journalists on Election Day, the IVEC Chairman assured that INEC in collaboration with security agencies has made adequate arrangements to ensure the safety of all participants including the media during the election.
“Security personnel will be deployed to all polling units, collation centres and other strategic locations across the State. The safety of the media and all electoral stakeholders is our top priority and we are fully committed to delivering a peaceful and secure election,” he said.
Mr. Olumekun called for stronger collaboration between the Commission and the Media. According to him, “Let me also emphasize that collaboration between INEC and the media extends beyond the election date. We look forward to working closely with you throughout the entire electoral cycle, from pre-election preparations, through to Election Day activities and post-election assessments. Together, we can chart a path that will strengthen our democracy and foster a culture of participation among our citizens.”
In her welcome remarks, the Hon. Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola represented by the Administrative Secretary Mr. Biodun Onikate-Amosun expressed gratitude to the media for the immense support the Commission has received through their platforms. She credited the unprecedentedly high rate of collection of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in the State to the sensitization and mobilization efforts of the press across various channels.
The REC explained that the purpose of the engagements was to equip participants with detailed information on the guidelines, processes and procedures governing the upcoming election. This aims to ensure that they are well-prepared to contribute their quota to a free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process in Ondo State.
Mrs. Babalola also urged participants to refrain from disseminating inflammatory information and sensational reports that could incite unrest. She emphasised the importance of keeping their reports calm and factual while focusing on de-escalating tension.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ondo State, Comrade Leke Adegbite commended INEC especially the Ondo REC for operating an open-door policy that enables journalists to access timely information.
He urged his colleagues to maintain professionalism in their coverage of the Commission’s activities and the electoral process. He noted: “It is our responsibility to help the State, help INEC and help the country de-escalate tension. We must put fact-checking mechanisms in place so that only facts will be put out there.”
The NUJ Chairman also advised the Commission to ensure that information is made available to the media promptly, asserting that this is essential to effectively address misleading and fake information.
