The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) have urged journalists covering Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election to uphold professionalism and prioritise their safety while discharging their duties.
The call was made on Thursday during a press conference held in Ado-Ekiti ahead of the election scheduled to take place across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr Lanre Arogundade, said journalists occupy a strategic position in the electoral process and must remain non-partisan in their conduct and reportage.
Arogundade advised media practitioners to avoid displaying party colours, symbols or slogans, as well as using language capable of creating the impression of political bias.
He also urged journalists to ensure they are duly accredited and properly kitted for election coverage, stressing that accreditation tags and media identity cards should be visibly displayed at all times while on assignment.
According to him, journalists not officially assigned to election coverage should refrain from entering polling units during voting hours to avoid security breaches and unnecessary confrontations.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of CEMESO, Dr Akin Akingbulu, said the safety of journalists during elections was fundamental to democratic accountability, noting that the treatment of media workers often reflects a society’s commitment to democratic values.
Akingbulu disclosed that IPC and CEMESO had established a collaboration framework with the Ekiti State Police Command to provide rapid response and support for journalists who may encounter threats, harassment or attacks while covering the election.
The Commissioner of Police for the Ekiti governorship election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, who attended the press conference, assured journalists and residents of adequate security before, during and after the poll.
Shogunle said the police and other security agencies had put necessary measures in place to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free election, while guaranteeing the safety of voters, election officials, observers and journalists across the state. (NAN)
