Politics
Polls: NUJ Tasks Officials On Neutrality, Decorum
The Nigeria Union of
Journalists (NUJ) has charged critical stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure that the rerun elections scheduled for tomorrow across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State are seen to be free, fair and credible by all standards.
In a statement in Port Harcourt, and made available to The Tide, yesterday, the Zonal Secretary, South-South of NUJ, Opaka Dokubo, particularly urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to acquit itself creditably by being fair and firm in dealing with all parties in the contest, and in strict adherence to its rules and guidelines.
Dokubo said that “while we see reason for the massive security deployment to the state for the election, we cannot but implore them to strictly keep to their security duties, and completely stay away from the electoral process”.
The statement expressed grave “dismay that politicians in the state have engaged more in demonizing their opponents in their campaign messages rather than dwell on what and how they intend to better the lot of the people.
“We, therefore, appeal to the political elite in the state to change their rhetoric, and assume a conciliatory posture in speech and in action that will engender peace and harmonious co-existence before, during and after the elections,” the NUJ said.
Dokubo also tasked all journalists in the state to maintain the highest level of professionalism and neutrality, and avoid the temptation of being drawn into the political fray, adding that the political atmosphere in the state was already at boiling point, accentuated by the unwholesome activities and unguarded language of the political class.
“We must, therefore, consciously not add to the raging inferno by being at our professional best in the coverage and reportage of the election,” the statement noted, emphasizing that “as journalists, our reports must continue to be unbiased, balanced, fair, factual and conflict-sensitive.”
The NUJ further implored journalists covering the elections to prioritise their personal safety and security as they go about their lawful duties.
Similarly, the Rivers State council of the NUJ has called on all stakeholders to comport themselves in such manner as is befitting of a people seeking the best for society, urging journalists to avoid anything capable of fanning the embers of discord and rancour.
In a statement in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the state Chairman, Omoni Ayo-Tamuno, and Secretary, Soibi Max-Alalibo, the union admitted that while nobody wants to lose any election, “it is imperative that we accept as a fact that only one winner must emerge at the end of the contest”, and advised politicians not to see the elections as a “do or die affair”.
The union urged journalists covering the elections to be conscious of “the fact that at no time is their ability to report dispassionately needed than the period of imminent crisis, which the March 19 rerun elections portend,” it also urged them to be neutral while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
The statement called on security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the electorate before, during and after the polls, and further charged the leadership of INEC to ensure that its staff understand and appreciate the fact that only strict adherence to the dictates of their duty as unbiased arbiters can exonerate them from partisanship, and make the outcome acceptable to all.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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