Politics
REC Charges Media On Enlightenment
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has urged media practitioners not to disappoint Nigerians in helping them make wise choices in the 2019 general elections.
Mr Sam Olumekun, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), INEC in Lagos State, made the appeal on Tuesday at the 2018 Press Week of the Radio Lagos/Eko FM Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ikeja.
Olumekun, who was the guest speaker at the second day of the week-long event, described the media as important stakeholders in the electoral process.
He spoke on “2019 General Elections: The Media and the Challenges of Objective Reporting”.
The REC, represented by Mr Femi Akinbiyi, the Public Relations Officer of the Commission in Lagos, said the media’s role in the success of elections was very critical.
“May I urge journalists, noble members of the fourth estate of the realm who are very important stakeholders of the electoral process and partners of INEC, to truly function as unbiased professionals.
“You are expected to enlighten, inform and educate Nigerians about the electoral process and also to mobilise the citizenry to actively and conscientiously turn out en masse to vote for credible candidates.
“Your duty is not just restricted to providing debate and marketing platforms for political parties and candidates to publicise their political programmes and ideologies.
“You also have the responsibility to set agenda for discussions on general elections that will enlighten the citizens for the making of informed and wise choices during the general elections,” Olumekun said.
The commissioner, who noted that INEC had mapped out guidelines to proficiently govern its electoral operations, urged journalists to read, adapt and understand the guidelines.
Olumekun said the commission was determined to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2019.
He urged media practitioners to be conversant with the Electoral Act and adhere strictly to provisions on INEC code of conduct for journalists in all editorial operations.
The REC advised the media to make concerted efforts at upholding and abiding by the code of conduct for objective reportage, so as not to set the nation on fire.
He urged the media regulatory bodies to apply the rules and sanction any media house that functions against the ethics of the profession.
In his address, Dr Qasim Akinreti, the Lagos NUJ Chairman, stressed the need to entrench right to association, rule of law, press freedom and right to reply, to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
Akinreti said right to association had helped in the forming of political parties and pressure groups.
“Now over 90 political parties have been registered by INEC,’’ he said.
Earlier, Mr Olanrewaju Olatunbosun, the Chairman, Radio Lagos/Eko FM Chapel, NUJ, said that the essence and significance of journalists and journalism could neither be underestimated nor overemphasised in any society.
“In spite of the enormity of hazards that go with the practice of journalism all over the world, Nigerian journalists have distinguished themselves in many ways, even in international competitions,” he said.
Olatunbosun said Nigerian journalists had proved to be up to the task, urging that they be accorded respect.
He, however, listed disregard to rule of law, molestation and poor remuneration, among others, as factors militating against smooth operation of journalists in Nigeria.
In her goodwill message, Mrs Ayo-ola Shotonwa, General Manager, Radio Lagos/Eko FM, urged journalists to be ethical and professional while performing their duties.
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.
-
Sports4 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports4 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports4 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports4 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports4 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Sports4 days agoRemo, Ikorodu set for NPFL hearing, Today
-
Sports4 days agoPolice Games: LOC inspects facilities in Asaba
-
Niger Delta4 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form