Journalists in Edo State Gear Up for Governorship Election Coverage
In a major development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the issuance of identification tags to accredited journalists in Edo State, ahead of the highly anticipated September 21 governorship election. The exercise took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in the state.
According to INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, a total of 114 media organizations successfully uploaded the details of 721 personnel to cover the election. Olumekun revealed that the full list, including the number of personnel to be deployed, has been uploaded to the commission’s website and social media platforms for public information.
In a bid to ensure a smooth election process, Olumekun assured all accredited groups of unimpeded lawful access to voting and collation locations. He also appealed to media organizations and observers to abide by their codes of professional ethics and INEC’s regulations and guidelines during the election.
The issuance of identification tags is a significant step in preparing journalists to cover the election, which is expected to be a closely watched contest. With the lists now available, journalists will be able to plan and prepare for their coverage of the election, ensuring that the public is well-informed about the electoral process.
As the election approaches, it is crucial for journalists to adhere to INEC’s guidelines and codes of professional ethics to ensure that the coverage is accurate, unbiased, and credible. With the issuance of identification tags, journalists can now focus on their important role in providing timely and reliable information to the public.
The Edo State governorship election is expected to be a closely contested race, with several political parties and candidates vying for the top seat. As the election approaches, it is essential for citizens to stay informed and participate in the democratic process to ensure that their voices are heard.
