The National Assembly has been urged to make presidential and gubernatorial debates compulsory in subsequent amendments of the Electoral Act to enable the electorate know what political aspirants have in store prior to elections.
National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzor gave the advice in Kano at a two-day workshop for journalists and members of civil society organizations on conflict-sensitive reporting ahead of the twenty twenty-three general elections.
Comrade Isiguzor who was represented by a National official of the Union, Mr. Amos Duniya, decried lack of adequate awareness on the side of the voters whom he said were not being carried along in the process of initiating and amending the electoral act.
He noted that the National Assembly should henceforth prioritize the need for Nigerians to know the plans, ideas and blueprint the aspiring political office holders have, before being elected into public office, stressing that only by so-doing will governance be improved in the country.
The NUJ National President tasked journalists to have a thorough
understanding of issues around elections, as this would equip them in educating and enlightening citizens of their civic duties.
He also urged journalists to work towards the advancement of the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, press freedom, media independence, conflict resolution and peace building as key tenets of democracy.
The lead paper presenter, Naziru Mika’il, tasked journalists and civil society organizations to hold INEC and other policy makers accountable towards ensuring free, fair and credible elections in 2023.
Meanwhile, a communique signed by participants at the end of the capacity building workshop, called on INEC to intensify voter education to enable voters have basic knowledge about the Electoral Act and voters’ rights.
It also urges journalists and other media practitioners to adhere strictly to professional ethics and extant laws by being factual and objective and promote peace and national interest before, during and after the elections.
The workshop which was organized by the Centre for Democracy and Development in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission in collaboration with the NUJ, trained twenty nine Journalists and members of civil society organizations on pertinent issues ahead of next year’s general elections.
Cov/Teddy Daniel
