By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has told the media to continue to be resolute against fake news and misinformation saying the best way to check such drive was to ensure openness and transparency.
INEC Chairman who made this call when he met with stakeholders in the media industry during its quarterly consultative meeting on Thursday in Abuja stated that media has made INEC work most profound because through their reports the Commission has been able to sustain some of their
innovations that it has introduced.
“I urge you to continue to be a bulwark against fake news and misleading narratives about the Commission and its activities. 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”, he said.
” 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.
” More specifically, some of the innovations introduced by the Commission to improve service delivery to the electorate, ensure the safety and security of journalists and grant them unimpeded access to various locations during elections and electoral activities draw from your reports as well as the suggestions and recommendations made during our quarterly meetings”, Pro. Yakubu noted.
In his response, the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo, has emphasized the vital importance of free, fair, and credible elections in advancing democratic governance, particularly as off-season elections approach in Edo and Ondo states later this year.
He highlighted that elections serve as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy, allowing citizens to exercise their fundamental right to choose their representatives and shape the future of the nation.
He commended INEC for its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of electoral integrity and transparency. He praised the commission’s dedication to ensuring that every vote counts and every voice is heard, which serves as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s democracy.
The NUJ President also expressed profound appreciation to the media for their indispensable role as the watchdogs of democracy.
He acknowledged their crucial function in informing, educating, and mobilizing the electorate, which facilitates the exercise of civic responsibility.
The media’s tireless efforts in promoting public awareness, scrutinizing electoral processes, and holding stakeholders accountable significantly contribute to the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system he added.
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