The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), has called on journalists to be unbiased and fair in their reportage during the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
The Head of Legal INEC, Barrister Ibrahim Alkali, made the call during a one-day Sensitization Workshop, organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists(NAWOJ) Kano State Chapter, held in Kano.
According to him, journalists are critical stakeholders in election activities, and are expected to display professionalism at all times.
He called on the people of Kano, who are yet to collect their Permanent Voters Card(PVC ) to do so as the commission have many uncollected PVC’s.
“Your reports should be objectively, unbiased and nothing but the truth as all Political parties are equal before us and in law”
In her remarks, Chairperson NAWOJ Caretaker Committee Kano, Hajiya Hafsat Sani Usman, said that the training was aimed at improving it’s member’s
skills on the reportage of the 2023 general election.
She commended the state government for giving the association all the necessary support.
“Female journalists as watchdogs and mother’s of the society have a significant role to play in ensuring fair election reportage”
On his part, the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, reiterated the state government’s commitment in strengthening the cordial relationship between journalists and the government
Mohammed who was represented by the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ ) Kano, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, said section 22 of Nigerian Constitution mandated journalists to serve as watchdogs of the society.
Also speaking, NUJ national President Mr Chris Isiguzo, commended NAWOJ for organizing the event as it is coming at the right time when the country is preparing for 2023 elections.
Isiguzo represented by his senior Special Assistant (SSA), Alhaji Ibrahim Garba, urged participants to make judicious use of the knowledge gained.
The Director General ARTV Kano, Hajiya Sa’a Ibrahim, represented by Director News Aishatu Sule presented a paper on guidelines for media practioners during election.
Radio Nigeria reports that, the event themed: female journalists and 2023 elections witnessed large turn out of participants drawn from print and broadcast as well as information officers in the state.
KHADIJAH ALIYU