OPAN calls for free press, objective reporting in 2019 elections
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Sarah Domozu
As the 2019 elections approach, the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria in its 3rd Annual conference has called for free press and objective reporting in the elections.
The event was attended by vice president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Mr Tony Iredia, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Barr. Abimbola Kayode NBA Chairman Abuja, Barr. Ikechukwu Okechukwu SAN, Barr Ifeanyi Nrialike, Prof Chidelu Kalu among others.
The chairman of the Association Mr. Austin Ogannah in his welcome address said the essence of the conference is to put aright the online publishers as the elections approach: ” I call on the government and the journalists to take note of this year’s annual conference theme Free Press and Objective Reporting in the 2019 Election. The press should be given freedom to report while they also report accurately”.
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo encouraged the press to always give feed back to the public.
The EFCC chairman Mr Ibrahim Magu, emphasized on the role of the free press in democratic accountability and the war against corruption. He said that ” the forth coming election is very important to our continuous survival and progress as a nation therefore we have no choice other than to contribute to it’s success in a total and wholehearted manner”.
Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa also encourage online publishers to be objective and independent, ” Online publishers should believe in themselves, do not let government regulate you because you already have freedom of expression and freedom to report as far as it is accurate, protect the lives of those you represent, I was arrested three times while reporting facts but not withstanding, I still went on, do not stop yourself by not reporting the truth but you just be factual in it.
