As INEC prepares for the conduct of governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has said the commission holds regular consultative meetings with a view to remain open and transparent in the conduct of its activities.
Prof Yakubu spoke at a consultative meeting with the media in Abuja Tuesday said a very important reality in today’s age of information technology is the spread of fake news and misinformation instantly and on a global scale.
He said the commission did not believe in censorship and added that the best antidote to fake news was greater openness and transparency.
While appreciating and commending the media for their partnership with INEC, Yakubu assured that the commission would continue to work closely with the media.
He urged the media to continue to be a bulwark against fake news and misleading narratives about the commission and its activities, adding that the commission welcome media reports, commentaries and analyses on elections in particular and electoral activities in general.
He said: “A very important reality in today’s age of information technology is the spread of fake news and misinformation instantly and on a global scale. As I said on many occasions, INEC does not believe in censorship.
“The best antidote to fake news is greater openness and transparency. It is in furtherance of this policy that the commission interfaces regularly with stakeholders through our regular consultative meetings.
“We appreciate our partnership with the media and I want to reassure you that INEC will continue to work closely with you. We welcome your reports, commentaries and analyses on elections in particular and electoral activities in general.”
