The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the media to use their reports to build public confidence and strengthen the nation’s democracy.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Kudu Haruna made the call at a forum for media executives, producers, and reporters in preparation for the February 21 FCT Area Council Election.
Mallam Kudu who identified voter apathy as one of the challenges facing democratic governance in the country, urged the media to educate citizens on the need to participate fully in the nation’s electoral system.
He said INEC was preparing adequately for the FCT Area Council Election since this was the first election to be conducted after the review of the 2022 Electoral Act that extended the duration of the local government administration from three to four years.
Mallam Kudu announced that agents of political parties, security agencies, observers and other stakeholders, including the media, would be invited when the commission would receive the sensitive materials before onward distribution to the various area councils on February 18.
The National Commissioner stressed that already all the Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) are being configured in preparation for the polls.
The FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Aminu Idris, said the forum became necessary to enable the media to have a full understanding of election rules, guidelines, the Electoral Act and the constitution for proper election reportage.
He urged the media to work within the ethics of their profession and give the public quality information in the discharge of their duties.
He said additional Registration Area Centers would be established in Abuja Municipal and Bwari Area Councils to decongest and ensure a smooth voting process.
In a remark, the FCT Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Grace Ike, appealed to INEC to provide prompt information to enable the electorates to trust all the processes.
Comrade Grace stressed that the Union would not accept any intimidation and harassment of any member of the pen profession while carrying out their duties.
She urged stakeholders to guarantee the safety of journalists before, during, and after the election.
Experts delivered lectures on essential tools that could enhance the effective information dissemination during the election.
RN
