The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has called on media practitioners to desist from landmine reportage that is too sensitive ahead of the 2023 general election. This was disclosed by the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye during a one-day capacity building for journalists on ‘Conflict Sensitive Reporting and the 2023 General Election’ held in Akure, the Capital of Ondo state. The program was organized by INEC for journalists in southwest Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ.
Okoye was represented by the INEC Administrative Secretary, Mr. Oyetola Oyelami who noted that democracy thrives on effective information flow not otherwise.
During the meeting, Oyelami called on the journalist that as the country moves closer to the 2023 general election, there are obvious landmines that the media must avoid especially in their reporting style.
“The media must avoid the breaking news syndrome. Some of the mainstream media are gradually gravitating towards online journalism with the attendant quest for breaking news, which is sometimes not properly verified and processed.
He cautioned the news outlets to avoid the use of sensitive headlines that suggest fake news, violence, corruption, or any form of negative reportage that sways the public emotions.
“Sometimes, people look at the headlines and draw conclusions without looking at the body of the report.
“The media must find the right balance in casting headlines. The media must avoid deliberate falsehood aimed at drawing traffic to sites.
Oyelami warned that “Deliberate falsehood aimed at drawing traffic to particular sites is a huge challenge in strategic communication.”
In his contribution, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, applauded INEC for providing an opportunity to dissect issues bordering on the 2023 general election.
Isiguzo made this statement through the NUJ National Trustee (South-South) Comrade Bimbo Oyetunde, who noted that media are critical stakeholders in the democratic process as they are the eye of the general public as they help mobilize the public to an issue as well as holding the government accountable.
Isiguzo commended INEC for its support and for being transparent and accountable for its stewardship in the management of the media body in promoting democratic principles.
He assured that the media will continue to be a partner to INEC in insuring that democracy work in the country.
In his statement it partly reads; “Since the functions of government are clear, in performing these functions, government officials are expected to be honest, responsible, transparent, accountable, and efficient in administration and services delivery.
He explained,” Where any of these is lacking or is deliberately subverted, it is the responsibility of the media to raise alarm. It is therefore clear that the media are central in the process of ensuring credible elections in the country”.
Isiguzo added “It should be noted, however, that in the course of their work over the years many journalists have either lost their lives or sustained various degrees of injuries or had their equipment damaged especially during election times.
” Nothing or little is done to ensure accountability for attacks on journalists and the media in Nigeria, thus the culture of impunity for such attacks persists. It is important for stakeholders to work towards minimizing these” he added.
