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2023: Stakeholders urge media to ensure unbiased coverage of election
Election stakeholders have called on media practitioners in Nigeria to ensure unbiased and credible coverage of the 2023 general election to safeguard the country’s democracy.
The stakeholders made the call at a one-day roundtable on the role of mass media in a free and fair election for sustainable democracy organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA) Alumni Association of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mr Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said the commission recognised the media as a critical stakeholder in the political process.
Okoye, represented by Mr Chuwkuemeka Ugboaja, INEC Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity, said this was because democracy thrived with effective information flow.
“Basically, as has been established over time, the role of the media in the electoral process includes to avail the critical stakeholders with timely and relevant information pertaining to the electoral process.
“The media carry out voter education and public enlightenment in the context of the electoral legal framework and the process and procedures pertaining to the elections.
“They mobilise the electorates to participate in the electoral process through awakening in them the consciousness of taking ownership of the political process.
“They give vent to the programmes and activities of the election management body with a view to bringing stakeholders up to speed with development therein among others,” he said.
Okoye urged the media to have a working knowledge of INEC’s operations, be conversant with its processes and procedures and to always seek for official clarification on germane and serious national issues not to pick information from unverified sources.
Mr Salihu Dembos, the Director-General,Nigerian Televison Authority (NTA) , said most of the challenges journalists faced could easily be overcome by maintaining credibility and avoiding fake news.
Dembos, represented by Mr Paul Attte,General Manager, NTA 5 Abuja,said there has been a universal agreement that journalists must be properly guided especially in the reportage of election.
“Elections, it should be noted are not ordinary events hence why elections are normally conducted within the framework of an Electoral Law.
“The Elections Law provided the foundation for other activities, including news reports, involving electoral process, several regulatory and professional bodies,” he said.
Dembos urged journalists to maintain professionalism and be guided by the ethics of the profession in the line of duty.
The Keynote Speaker, Dr Josiah Kante of Department of Mass Communication, Nassarawa State University, advised journalists not to dance to tune of politicians.
Kante, represented by Dr Abimiku Monday, Research Fellow, Mass Communication Department of the university urged the media to shun reportage of religious and ethnic bigotry among others.
He said the media should not get itself entangled with politicians or be used by them to propagate scandals, propaganda or fake news.
He urged them to shun ‘brown envelope syndrome’,engage in balanced reportage and work in the interest of the masses and defend Nigeria’s democracy.
Mr Ahmed Agberankhe, President, JICA Alumni Association of Nigeria (JAAN), said the roundtable was organised with support from JICA.
Agberankhe said the aim of the association was to help to build a strong and virile Nigerian economy promote economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Japan .
He said that it was to also help Nigerians who wish to travel to Japan as well as helping the needy in the society.
“To achieve these,JAAN organises seminars ,workshops ,trainings on issues and subjects aimed at improving the overall standards of Nigeria.
“Our decision to organise this round table is informed by our esteemed regards for the presidential as an engine of peaceful mobilisation for peaceful national development,” he said.
(NAN)
2023: Stakeholders urge media to ensure unbiased coverage of election
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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