Preparatory to the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states on September 21 and November 16, respectively, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday charged media to uphold truth and integrity in election coverage.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, handed charged during a pre-election briefing with the INEC Press Corps.
Olumekun, who was represented by Director Voter education and Publicity (VEP), Mrs Mary Nkem, noted that the briefing became necessary knowing the crucial role the media play in shaping democracy,
“As the fourth estate of the realm, the media is not just a conveyor of information but also a vital player in the democratic process, particularly during elections.
“Your work influences public perception, informs voter decisions, and upholds the integrity of the electoral process. This engagement is no doubt timely as preparations for the conduct of the off-cycle governorship election in Edo state, is only 15 days away,” he said.
Olumekun said preparations for the polls had reached an advanced and critical stage, adding that due to the importance placed on the role of the media in elections, INEC held similar engagements with media executives and journalists based in Edo state.
“It is, therefore, important for the members of the INEC Press Corps to have a good knowledge and understanding of what is expected of them.
“This is necessary for an informed and balanced coverage of the Commission’s activities and the dissemination of information to the general public.
He noted that on Tuesday September 10, 2024, the Chairman of the INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, would lead other management team to monitor the mock accreditation of voters in selected Polling Units in Edo state to test-run the deployment of BVAS for the election as well as the upload of scanned polling units results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
“The next day, on Wednesday September 11, 2024 in Benin City, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu will chair the INEC Stakeholders meeting involving the Inspector General of Police and all relevant stakeholders in Edo state, and on Thursday September 12, 2024, the signing of the Peace Accord by candidates will take place under the supervision of the National Peace Committee chaired by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retired), so it’s a very busy period for the Commission.
“The training of security personnel has been concluded, while the training of Ad-hoc staff, that is supervisory presiding officers, presiding officers, and assistant presiding officers starts today September 6 to September 15, in Edo state.
“The Commission is concluding arrangements with the land and maritime transport unions for logistics. The printing of triplicate copies of voters’ register for each of the 4,519 Polling Units in Edo state is virtually completed.
“The installation and configuration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to be deployed on Election Day is completed. Observer and accreditation tags are being produced as well.
He disclosed that the INEC accredited a total of 892 personnel were approved after careful review from 122 organisations who applied and printing of the tags has commenced and would conclude the process on Monday September 9, 2024.
Blueprint Newspapers on WhatsAp-Join now!