From David Onuoja, Abuja
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged Journalists preparing to cover Edo Governorship election on September 21, 2024, to be factual and accurate about the election and electoral activities in compliance with the ethics of the profession.
The Commission’s Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, gave the advice to Press Men during the 3rd Quarterly Consultative Meeting with the Media Executives held yesterday in Abuja.
He said if any other unquantified journalists can report fake news, it shouldn’t be conventional and professional journalist who are trained for the job.
Yakubu added that at times, it is the absence of the conventional media report to inform the public on time that quacks news carriers will use to send their fake news to the public.
According to him, “You should continue to be a bulwark against fake news, misinformation and disinformation”, he said.
Speaking on the media accreditation, he said, “I urge you to expedite action by ensuring that all interested media organisations submit their applications before the deadline of Thursday 5th September 2024.
“This will enable the Commission to produce and deliver the accreditation tags for your reporters, camera operators, technical and other support staff in good time for the election.
On the security of journalists, we are as concerned about the safety of your personnel and equipment just as we are about the security of our own officials, observers, service providers and, above all, the voters.
“We will also work with the security agencies to ensure that accredited journalists are granted unimpeded access to all voting and collation locations”, he said.
