Politics
THE International Press Centre (IPC) Lagos, has advised journalists and other media practitioners to observe personal safety standards and professionalism while covering the Ondo State governorship elections.
Mr Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, IPC, gave the admonition in a statement issued on Friday by Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer, IPC.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ondo State gubernatorial election holds on Saturday.
Arogundade said the admonition became necessary due to the important role of the media during electioneering processes.
He added that the warning was also due to growing concerns over journalists’ safety.
“Though this election is an off-cycle one, it does not reduce the fact that it still falls under the purview of media electoral responsibility.
“For the contestants and their gladiators, it is an election, which is by no means of less value than any other election.
“So, the atmosphere within the state where the election will take place will reflect basic and essential activities associated with the conduct of an election.
“It is, therefore, important for journalists covering the election to be guided by the existing ethics of professional coverage of elections as well as to be safety conscious in the discharge of their duties, especially to avoid situations that will put them in harm’s way,” he said.
Arogundade said journalists were expected to be non-partisan by maintaining objectivity and balance in election coverage.
According to him, partisanship is not only about being a member of a political party but also includes the use of expressions and impressions with statements, tags, symbols, and colours that portray or identify with a particular political party or personality.
He urged journalists covering the election to be fully kitted and accredited to avoid situations where security agencies would question or bar them from performing their duties.
The IPC executive director also advised journalists not on election duty to avoid straying into polling units at will during the stipulated period of the election.
“At all times, journalists covering the elections must have their identification card and press/media tag clearly displayed to avoid undue harassment and unnecessary identity checks by the security agencies,” he said.
He also enjoined other stakeholders, especially the security agencies, to perform their tasks, responsibly.
Arodundade urged security agencies to accord journalists their due rights and privileges to enable them to carry out their social obligations as partners, for credibility of the electoral process.
“The media should be seen as partners in progress and not as adversaries,” Arogundade added. (NAN)
14th November, 2024.
C.E.
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