The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has challenged journalists to avoid sensational reportage before and during the 2023 general elections.
National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, made the call at a one-day workshop for journalists in the South-East region, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ). The theme of the workshop is: ”Conflict Sensitive Reporting and the 2023 General Election’, which was held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state.
He also noted that the media plays a critical role in the electoral and governance process and must shun sensational and inflammatory reports.
Okoye stated that the work of the Commission and the conduct of electoral business has national security implications.
The INEC Commissioner stressed the need for the media to hold a balance between all the contending parties; candidates and ensure balanced, fair and objective reports of the activities of all political parties.
Also speaking, National President of NUJ, Chris Isiguzo, applauded the INEC for providing an opportunity to discuss issues bordering on the 2023 elections. He added that the union would continue to work with the electoral umpire to ensure that democracy worked properly in Nigeria.
