2019 Election: Publisher, REC, guber candidates charge media on accurate reporting

Patrick Okohue, Lagos

The Publisher of The Drum Online, Prince Akanni Segun has urged the Nigeria press to be accurate in the reportage of the 2019 elections for peace and stability of the nation. He harped that “in order to fulfil their roles, the media need to maintain a high level of professionalism, accuracy and impartiality in their reportage. Regulatory frameworks can help ensure high standards. Laws and regulation should guarantee fundamental freedoms essential to democracy, including freedom of information and expression, as well as participation.” Akanni pointed out that the provisions such as requiring government media, funded with public money, to give fair coverage and equitable access to opposition parties, help ensure appropriate media behaviour during elections. Delivering a lecture organised by the All Nigerian United Nations Students and Youth Association’s Conference (University of Ibadan Chapter), Akanni posited that “there is no gain saying that the media has a big role to play, not only in ensuring that elections are transparent, but in ensuring, that the outcome of any given election reflects the true wishes of the people.” According to Akanni, at the event which held at the Alumni Auditorium, University of Ibadan, Thursday, with the theme: ‘The Role of the Media In Ensuring People’s Vote Count,’ “The media is responsible for providing information, education and entertainment. The word media was first used in reference to books and newspapers that is the print media. But with the advent of technology, media now encompasses television, movies, radio and the internet,” he added. He pointed out that the watchdog role of the media, “naturally comes to bear at election periods,” adding that “it is safe to propagate therefore that the media is essential to democracy, and a democratic election is impossible without it.” “A free and fair election is not only about the freedom to vote and the knowledge of how to cast a vote, but also about a participatory process where voters engage in public debate and have adequate information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself in order to make informed choices. The media acts as a watchdog to democratic elections, safeguarding the transparency of the process.” The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’S Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Mr Mutiu Olaleke Agboke who was the Keynote speaker at the event urged politicians to shun violence while urging youths not to be malleable tools in the hands of the political parties. The Head of Media and Publicity of The National Orientation Agency, in Oyo State, Alhaji Kehinde Isiaka, who represented the State Director of the agency, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu, spoke on vote buying, urging students not to be part of the political scandal that is presently rocking the nation’s political space. In his remarks, The President of the Association, Mr Oluwasegun Olalekan Oladokun said the event was a political conference 2019, organised by All Nigerian United Nations Students and Youth Association (ANUNSA), University of Ibadan. The association which was established in 1958 at the University of Ibadan, it’s the first registered and recognised United Nations Students and Youth Association in Nigeria. Present at the event are Dr. Yemi Faronbi, the gubernatorial candidates of National Interest Party, Princess Bolanle Ashabi Sarumi Aliyu, Engr Akinwale Omololu Laosun of African Action Congress, Mr Akande Akin Sanyaolu of Peoples Democratic Change, Prof. M. O. Abdul rahman among others.