Yakubu Commends INEC Press Corps for objective reportage.. Urges continued fight against fake news
…NIPR President advocates regular youth engagement by INEC
Oru Leonard
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), prepares for the Edo and Ondo off-cycle Governorship elections scheduled for September and November respectively, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has commended the INEC Press Corps for objective coverage of the electoral process and operations in real and also enjoined the media to continue to combat fake news and misleading narratives about the Commission and its activities
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu stated this during the first quarterly consultative meeting with media organizations on Thursday in Abuja, and stressed on the negative effects of fake news and misinformation in the country. He therefore urged the media to remain vigilant and serve as a defence against false narratives.
He reiterated that INEC does not believe in censorship, adding that the best antidote to fake news is greater openness and transparency. He also emphasized on the commissions commitment to openness and transparency, noting that censorship is not the solution to misinformation.
INEC Boss who pointed out the importance of election primaries to the commission, called on media organisations to engage with Political Parties as well as their aspirants and report on the primaries with the same diligence and depth the main election was reported.
He reassured that the Commission would continue to work closely with media organizations and promised to ensure the safety and security of journalists and grant them unimpeded access to various locations during elections and electoral activities in the country.
Speaking in his remarks, the President, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, who commended INEC’s commitment to electoral integrity and transparency, affirmed the media’s role as the watchdogs of democracy.
He appealed to the media to uphold the sanctity of the ballot box and safeguard the democratic aspirations of the nation.
Also speaking the President and Chairman in Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, advised INEC to have a regular engagement with the Youths as is done with other Stakeholders.
