The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Kashere Gombe, Professor Ummaru Pate has identified political desperation, hate or dangerous speech, misuse of digital and conventional media, poor attitude of politicians as some of the major set backs to free and credible elections in Nigeria.
Professor Pate made the assertion during the third annual Kano Social Influencers Summit (KANSIS2022), organized by CITAD.
According to him, information dissemination during political climate, had affected information technology through sensationalizing stories, as well as compromising institutions involved in law making process.
The Vice Chancellor, however stressed that fack checking, strict adherence to professional and ethical codes, professional engagements with politicians, data driven and evidence based journalism, would go a long way in mitigating fake news.
“Information dissemination of 2023 elections should be understood from the climate setting”.
Earlier in his remarks, Executive Director Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Engineer Yunusa Zakari Ya’u pointed out that the Summit was organized to share ideas and experiences and how to use the media for productive purposes such as elections and capacity building.
He maintained that, social media influencers would play a vital role as electioneering campaigns have commenced where citizens and voters listen to messages from candidates through the media.
Engineer Ya’u said traditional rulers from Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi states were included in the summit, due to their immense contributions to the development of the society.
“During the technical session specific themes would be discussed extensively as our doors are open for ideas and suggestions. I commend our partners for their support”.
On the how to achieve free and credible elections, Chairman Kano state Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Professor Garba Ibrahim Sheka highlighted that, the constitution should be amended for legislators to serve two terms instead of serving for life.
In his goodwill message, state team lead Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn, Malam Isah Surajo, described the summit as apt, saying that as a program that is geared towards engaging citizens to promote transparency and good governance, the use of social media would pave way for productive partnership.
The parallel session on citizens charter of Demands titled : Hasken Kano journey and 2023 election, chaired by Dr. Auwal Halilu from Department of Adult Education and Community Development Bayero University Kano, who doubles as Kano state coordinator CSACEFA said, the need for good governance necessitated the charter.
He maintained that, a coalition of over 60 citizens concerned groups came up with strategies to curtail developmental challenges in the state, where stakeholders including traditional institutions, religious groups, influencers as well as conventional and new media engagements were brought on board with support from PERL.
The third annual Kano Social Influencers Summit themed “social media fostering free and credible elections” organized by CITAD with support from MacArthur foundation and other development partners attracted, academicians, social influencers, NGOs, CBOs, activists, women and youth groups, media, traditional rulers among others.
KHADIJAH ALIYU