The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has reiterated its commitment to providing journalists and Media Organizations with the necessary information for free, fair and credible 2023 elections.
The electoral umpire stated this in Abuja at a workshop organized by the JICA Alumni Association of Nigeria with help from Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA.
The one-day round table event with the theme “the role of Media in ensuring free and fair elections for sustainable Democracy” brought together journalists, INEC officials, Academicians, and political parties to brainstorm on balanced election reportage for credible elections in 2023.
In a paper presentation on INEC’s expectations from the Media, the INEC Commissioner for Voter Education Festus Okoye said the Commission was open to media suggestions and criticism.
Mr. Okoye represented by his deputy, Chukwuemeka Ugboaja urged journalists to desist from spreading fake news which could hamper the conduct of a free and fair election.
The keynote speaker, who is also a lecturer with the Department of Mass Communication Nasarawa State University Keffi, Mr. Abimiku Monday, charged journalists to always look at issues objectively before filling in their reports.
Earlier, the President of JICA Alumni Association of Nigeria, JAAN, Mr. Ahmed Agberankhe, explained that the workshop was organized because of the key role journalists and Media Organizations play in achieving successful elections.
Mr Agberankhe therefore called on the media to continue to play their role as the gatekeepers of the society to achieve Socio-economic development in Nigeria.
RN
