IPC, ACSPN, OTHERS HOLD WEBINAR ON EDO/ ELECTIONS ……Stakeholders Urge Journalists To Be Safety Conscious, Professional

Oru Leonard

The International Press Centre (IPC), Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) and other stakeholders has called on Journalists to be safety conscious and as well be professional during the Edo/Ondo elections

The call was made in Webinar moderated by Mrs. Funke-Treasure Durodola, Board Member, IPC/Former Assistant Director Programme, FRCN on Monday, September 7, 2020 with the theme, “Edo/Ondo Elections: The imperative of Safety Consciousness and Conflict Sensitivity in Media Coverage and Reportage”.

Presenting her paper on Electoral Conflicts, Media Coverage and the need for Conflict Sensitive Reporting, Dr. Ruqqayah Aliyu, from Bayero University, Kano, noted that the success of the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections to a large extent, lies on the effectiveness and efficiency of media coverage, as the citizens rely on the media to make informed decisions

She noted that if the elections go violent, the consequences might be devastating with multiplier effects on the society.

“If the present situation is ill managed, the opposite of peace will be experienced, youth will be exploited, innocent people will suffer, governance will be interrupted, the states will be dragged backwards, violence might escalate, consequences might be unpredictable, but electoral violence is better avoided”, she said.

She further said that Journalists should ensure safety and yet not undermine any details in a conflict and sensitive situation, noting that if Journalists report professionally, they will douse tension and reduce conflicts.

Dr. Ruqqayah advised Journalists not to be overzealous in reporting issues, verify all facts and figures, give National interest top priority set a positive agenda, downplay the negative, work as a team among others and to take advantage of the new media.

She also urged the media to go there equipped with a mindset of professionalism and be advocates of peace, adding that peace is priceless.

In her presentation, Mrs. Melody Lawal, Programme Officer (Journalists Safety), IPC, noted that in Journalists’ safety issues in Nigeria regarding the Edo and Ondo elections, it is important for Journalists to take cognisance of the fact that nothing has changed in the way politicians view elections.

She disclosed that there have been 41 cases of attacks on Journalists in the last 8 months, with a statistics of 85% Male(35), 12% female (5) and 3% media houses (1), urging journalists to check their roles and interests in the context of the interest of the politicians and the people.

“The media should note that the candidates and supporters won’t care whose ox is gored in the election as they are desperate to get into power. So, Journalists should be careful. For the people, the hopes of the average Nigerian is for a peaceful election and so, Journalists are saddled with the responsibility to be professional as well as keeping themselves safe”, she said.

She listed safety tips for Journalists in view of the upcoming election as being Non-partisan, being unbiased towards any political party, being brave and smart, covering situation from a safe distance; moving in clusters and letting people know where you are, always with means of identification as a press man; avoiding negotiation with any politicians with classified information, exercising caution in dealing with security agents on ground and avoiding unnecessary confrontation with them.

“Our safety is our responsibility, we need to be careful what we say and what not to say. Journalists who are peradventure attacked should report to the state council of NUJ, INEC Resident Electoral representative, and the Journalists safety alert desk.

“Remember, you need to be alive to tell your story. Don’t put yourselves in dangerous situation”, Melody advised.

Dr. Clinton Okonye of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos while speaking on election coverage under COVID-19 rules; addressing issues of Journalists personal safety, stated that there are 2, 594 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Edo state with 100 deaths and 1, 561 cases in Ondo with 32 deaths, with the most affected age group being those between 31 – 40 year olds who are also the major participants in the Elections.

Dr. Okonye emphasized that the election should not lead to increased cases but bring about a credible leader without a spike in the number of Covid-19 patients. He however urged any Journalist who comes in contact with Covid-19 positive person to remain indoors and appealed to the bodies involved in Election to provide hand washing facilities and sanitizers, and called for appropriate usage of the face masks.

The opening remarks was given by Prof. Umaru Pate, President ACSPN/Dean School of Postgraduate Studies, BUK, who called for responsive and responsible behaviour from the fourth estate of the realm; Welcome remarks by Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, IPC, who urged the media to be abreast with the Nigerian media code of election coverage and the NBC code on election.

Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director, International Media Society in his goodwill remarks called for the sufficient kitting of Journalists as they go on their duties. In his Special remarks Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, assured that INEC will provide a level playing field in the Edo and Ondo Elections.

Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections is scheduled for September 19 and October 10, 2020, respectively.