Democracy : INEC Tasks Media On Building Public Confidence Through Effective Reportage

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has called on the Media to use their reports to build public confidence and strengthen the nation’s democracy.

The National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Kudu Haruna made the call at a Forum for Media executives, Producers and Reporters in preparation for the February 21 FCT Area Council Election.

Mallam Kudu Haruna who identified Voter apathy as one of the challenges facing democratic governance in the country urged the Media to educate citizens on the need to participate fully in the nation’s electoral system..

He said INEC was preparing adequately for the FCT Area Council Election which is the first election to be conducted after the review of the 2022 Electoral Act that extended the duration of the local government admstration from three to four years.

Mallam Kudu Haruna announced that agents of political parties, security agencies, observers and other stakeholders including the media would be invited when the commission would receive the sensitive Materials before onward distribution to the various area councils on February 18.

The National Commissioner stressed that already all the Three Thousand Three Hundred and Thirteen Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems, BVAS are being configured in preparation for the polls while trainings have been provided for all officials, ad-hoc staff and security personnel as well as other stakeholders.

The FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Aminu Idris said the forum became necessary to enable the media to have full understanding of election rules, guidelines, electoral act and the constitution for proper election reportage.

He urged the media to work within the ethics of the profession and give the public quality information in the discharge of their duties.

He said additional Registration Area Centers would be established in Abuja Municipal and Bwari Area Councils to decongest and ensure smooth voting process.

In a remark, the FCT Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Grace Ike appealed to INEC to provide prompt information to enable the electorates have confidence all the processes.

Comrade Grace Ike stressed that the Union would not accept any intimidation and harassment on any member of the pen profession while carrying out their duties.

She urged stakeholders to guarantee the safety of journalists before, during and after the election.

The NUJ FCT Council Chairman however emphasised the need for journalists to report responsibly and avoid misinformation and disinformation.

Other experts also delivered lectures on essential tools that could enhance effective information dissemination during the election.

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji