Nigeria’s Electoral Commission Rolls Out Hotlines for Media Ahead of Governorship Election
In a bid to ensure accurate reporting and promote transparency during the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the establishment of telephone hotlines for media practitioners. The move is part of the Commission’s efforts to provide a platform for journalists to verify information and clarify any doubts before publishing reports.
According to Amosa Lamidi, Head of Department, Electoral Operations at INEC, the hotlines will be made available to newsmen before the election day, which is scheduled to take place on November 16. Represented by Mr. Tope Onojobi at a workshop organized by the Commission for media executives in Akure, the state capital, Lamidi assured that a situation room will be opened to take calls on situation reports and attend to enquiries from newsmen during the election.
INEC has urged media executives to support the Commission in ensuring that reports are authentic and reliable, in order to prevent the spread of misinformation and reduce the risk of political violence in the state. The Commission has also emphasized the importance of holding politicians and stakeholders accountable, including itself, and has pledged to provide newsmen with timely and accurate information regarding the election.
In a statement, Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, noted that collaboration between INEC and the media is crucial in overcoming challenges such as apathy, misinformation, and logistical barriers that may prevent citizens from collecting their permanent voter cards (PVCs). "We must unite to overcome these challenges and ensure that every eligible voter in Ondo State is ready to make their voice heard on Election Day," he said.
The move is seen as a positive step towards promoting transparency and accuracy in reporting, and is likely to have a significant impact on the success of the election. With the hotlines in place, journalists will be able to verify information and ensure that their reports are accurate, which will help to build trust and confidence among voters.
