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The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has appealed to the media for ensure accurate reporting ahead of the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal in Abuja during INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with media executives.
He noted that as the various election draws near in September 2 for the Edo election and the November 16 for the Ondo election, INEC is adequately prepared to conduct the poll.
He said, “I wish to remind you of your obligation as journalists to report factually and accurately about the election and electoral activities, in compliance with the ethics of your noble profession.
“You should continue to be a bulwark against fake news, misinformation and disinformation. I urge you to fully comply with the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage. Similarly, you are required to comply with the INEC guidelines for media accreditation available on our website,” Yakubu said.
He expressed concern about the security situation in Edo and Ondo states, saying INEC would meet with security agencies to fashion out modalities.
He said,“We are as concerned about the safety of your personnel and equipment just as we are about the security of our officials, observers, service providers and, above all, the voters.
“We will also work with the security agencies to ensure that accredited journalists are granted unimpeded access to all voting and collation locations.
“The commission will meet with the security agencies as early as Friday this week under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. I want to assure you that security in Edo and Ondo will be a major issue for discussion at the meeting.”
“We have delivered additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines to Edo State for the training of election duty personnel as well as contingency for election day support."
