Nasarawa Journalists Commits To Propagate The Slogan Of “Vote In Peace, Vote For Peace

Rabiu Omaku

Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists cut across the Chapels have resolved to propagate the Slogan of Vote In Peace, Vote for Peace and to ensure a credible, free and fair.

The position was contained in a communique issued at the end of a one day conflict sensitive reporting workshop held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital facilitated by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, The Independent National Electoral Commission and the National Orientation Agency.

Journalists at the end of workshop recommended that electronic transmission of results be adopted to minimize falsification.

Other recommendations are that government should regulate the activities of social media while the electoral umpire should embark on constant awareness for Peaceful election.

There should be proper accreditation and access Journalists to cover electoral process as well the Independent National Electoral Commission be empowered with prosecutorial powers,laws and code of conduct.

There should be prompt release of election results and sharing of information by INEC and ensure regular training of key actors like Journalists etc to build their capacity.

Journalists also resolved that in Nasarawa state ,media practitioners would be committed to be sensitive in their reportage during and after election.

Avoid publication and dessimination of unconfirmed reports as well should involve in in-depth analysis and research for our reporting.

To support INEC and the security agencies to act and be seen to act with impartiality.

To commit ourselves to propagate the Slogan of Vote in Peace, Vote for Peace and to ensure free, fair and credible election.

Journalists further committed to abide by the underlying principles and values of Accountability, transparency, honesty and integrity.

Pen pushers in the state in addition agreed to abide by orderly conduct, patriotism, fairness, mutual respect and tolerance.

Media practitioners also advice politicians to avoid hate speeches during campaigns, lack of transparency, presence of thugs to disrupt the electoral process.

Other advice are politicians should avoid destruction of opponents campaign materials, snatching of ballot boxes.

Also to shun fake and false news especially on social media and avoid voters suppression, sometimes by the electoral officers and should avoid vote buying in it entirety.

While the electoral umpire, INEC should avoid unilateral change elections dates, late arrival of electoral materials especially sensitive material like result sheets.

Politicians and supporters are advice to shun the proliferation of illegal fire arms and youth should shun cultism and influence from other interest parties.

While INEC should avoid connivance with government in power to intimidate the opposition parties.