The International Republican Institute (IRI) has paid a courtesy visit to the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, to discuss election violence, insecurity, journalists’ safety and responsible media coverage ahead of the election.
The meeting, held at the NUJ Press Centre in Osogbo, provided an opportunity for both organisations to discuss strategies for reducing tension and promoting peaceful participation in the electoral process.
Speaking at the meeting, the NUJ Osun State Council Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its level of preparedness ahead of the election.
He noted that INEC had been engaging with the media and training its personnel, expressing hope that the preparations would translate into effective performance on election day.
According to him, 149 media outlets have been registered to cover the election, underscoring the important role of the media in the electoral process.
However, Aboderin expressed concern over the fear and tension surrounding the election, particularly the safety of journalists who would be covering the exercise.
He stressed that journalists must be allowed to carry out their professional duties without harassment or intimidation, while also urging them to prioritise their safety.
The NUJ Secretary, Olalekan Akindoju, also emphasised the importance of safety and responsible journalism, urging journalists to be careful in their reporting and remain impartial.
He said the media should focus on verified information and should not allow reports of violence and fear to discourage citizens from exercising their right to vote.
Akindoju encouraged media organisations to use their platforms to promote peaceful participation and provide accurate information to the public.
He added that journalists had been retrained ahead of the election and should report both positive and negative developments responsibly.
On security, the NUJ Chairman said security agencies, particularly the police, would be involved in maintaining security during the election, stressing the need for equal protection and impartiality.
The IRI team also raised questions concerning election security and the strategies that would be adopted to ensure journalists report objectively without taking sides.
The NUJ leadership reiterated its commitment to factual and verified reporting, while urging journalists, observers and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.
The engagement ended with a call for continued collaboration among the media, civil society organisations and other stakeholders towards a peaceful and credible electoral process.( Brownpearlsignature)
