Adebayo Adenrele
...as Commission warns against misinformation, sensational reporting
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council has partnered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure credible election and fair reportage come June 20 governorship poll.
Addressing journalists while playing host to members the Council in his office in Ado-Ekiti, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Commission in Ekiti, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi said democracy cannot thrive without the media, stressing that credible information is essential for citizens to make informed decisions.
Dr. Omoseyindemi commended the NUJ for its consistent role in promoting responsible journalism, political awareness and civic engagement, adding that the union’s influence is vital in shaping public perception, strengthening transparency, and encouraging peaceful participation in elections.
He also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accuracy and strict compliance with electoral laws as preparations intensify for forthcoming electoral activities in the state.
Dr. Omoseyindemi stated that INEC in Ekiti State remains committed to transparency in all its processes, timely dissemination of accurate information, strict adherence to the Electoral Act and relevant guidelines and sustained stakeholder engagement.
He urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, balance and accuracy in their coverage of electoral matters.
The REC also cautioned journalists in the state against misinformation, disinformation and sensational reporting, warning that such practices could erode public trust and undermine electoral integrity.
His words, “Your visit today is not only timely but highly significant, especially as we continue preparations towards the forthcoming electoral activities in Ekiti State. The media remains a critical stakeholder in the electoral process.”Without the media, democracy cannot thrive; without credible information, citizens cannot make informed decisions.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists has consistently played a pivotal role in promoting responsible journalism, political awareness and civic engagement. As partners in democratic consolidation, we recognize your influence in shaping public perception, strengthening transparency and promoting peaceful participation.
“INEC in Ekiti State remains committed to: Transparency in all our processes, timely dissemination of accurate information, strict adherence to the Electoral Act, regulations and guidelines, deepening stakeholder engagement.
“We count on the NUJ to continue to uphold professionalism, accuracy, fairness, and balance in reporting electoral matters.
“At this crucial period, it is important to guard against misinformation, disinformation and sensationalism, which can undermine public trust and electoral integrity.”We assure you that our doors remain open for clarification, verification, and constructive engagement at all times.
“Together, we can build public confidence and ensure that the electoral process in Ekiti State remains credible, peaceful, and inclusive.
“Let me once again appreciate your visit and reaffirm our readiness to work closely with the NUJ for the success of our democratic process”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of NUJ, Ekiti Council, Kayode Babatuyi assured the commission that journalists in the State would work in line with the guidance of the electoral processes, without any chaos.
He pledged that journalists in the state will be mobilised to ensure positive projection to the activities of the Commission.
“I want to assure you that this election in the state will not be different. We will mobilize our members to give positive projection to the activities of INEC.
“I would also like to request that INEC sustain the pattern adopted in recent years, particularly the registration of journalists at the NUJ Press Centre. It is not because INEC lacks space or facilities, but the physical verification at our secretariat allows us to support proper monitoring. Journalism has wide wings and accommodates many people. Sometimes, a mass communication graduate with a camera claims to be a journalist. It is only when such a person acts wrongly that issues arise. Some individuals hide under this guise to perpetrate illegal activities, bringing a stain on the profession.
“During elections, many people rush in claiming they want to cover the process, but not all have positive motives. Some even hold visitors to ransom. We do not want that in Ekiti State. We are decent-minded people. We have seen cases where people outside the state or even outside the country spread false narratives about situations here. If such narratives were dependent on traditional media reports, the story would be different. But when such individuals are not properly identified, they create problems.
“If a genuine journalist goes to another state, once he gets to the secretariat and is asked who his chairman is, he can answer. Some of these people do not even know the NUJ Chairman in their state, nor can they mention colleagues they have worked with. Genuine journalists can mention colleagues they have met at conventions or assignments. Those who cannot are often the ones who cause problems.
“When we conduct registration at the NUJ Press Centre, it becomes easier to identify genuine practitioners and streamline the process. This will help ensure that only accredited and responsible journalists cover elections in the state”. He added
