Be safety conscious, accurate, fair in reporting – Fon tasks journalists

Dr Saudah Sallah-Abdulbaqi has charged journalists on accuracy, inclusiveness and balanced reporting during the electioneering period.

Sallah-Abdulbaqi gave the task in her presentation on “the electoral process; safety and responsibilities of journalists” on Thursday in Ilorin.

He spoke at the opening ceremony of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ).

She said that journalists were at the centre of everything that happens during elections and are exposed to so many risks and harassment.

The don charged journalists to enlighten the world that voting is a civic right, adding that the use of uncivil languages and behaviours should be discouraged in the profession.

Sallah-Abdulbaqi said to reduce risks while covering elections, journalists must study and understand the election safety manual and familiarise themselves with the locals and environments.

“Be knowledgeable about the discourse of interviews, ensure that guests do not use hate speeches, negative campaign words.

“Guide against attack on minorities, be conscious of gender, culture and avoid stereotypes.

“Do not go to conflict heated areas alone, go with the company of security personnel to avoid being harassed,” she advised.

She however urged journalists to serve the citizens in order to promote peace and tranquility.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Kwara, Madam Ayobola Ipinlaiye, appreciated the guests and delegates, saying it is a privilege to host the NEC meeting in Kwara.

Ipinlaiye also thanked the state government for being gender sensitive and also for always supporting women programmes in the state.

The state Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Lanre Ahmed, said that the theme of the event was apt and timely.

Ahmed said: “I am glad women journalists have taken it upon themselves to enlighten the public on the need to have free, fair, credible and secure election”.

The National President of the association, Mrs Ladi Bala, said the choice of Kwara as a meeting point was because the state is one of the most peaceful in the country.

Bala described Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as a great leader who is working to improve the media houses and NUJ in the state.

She said it is a clarion call on media organisations to see it as their role to create a credible democratic process.

“Journalists are critical stakeholders, women need to understand their role in electoral process and play our part.

“We often step on toes in the discharge of our duties and there are resultant clashes and our security is at stake

“Maintain neutrality in the discharge of your duties, never bring your opinion into your work,” she counselled.

The NAWOJ president also advised journalists to beware of overzealousness in the discharge of their duties.

She enjoined them to adhere to the ethics of the profession, saying ‘we must be alive to tell stories’.

The Head, Voter Registration of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Adamu Musa, appreciated the media for always supporting the commission’s activities.

Musa emphasised that eligible voters should not only register but obtain their voter cards, saying ‘no PVC, no vote’.

He assured the public that their votes would count in the coming elections.

He said that plans were underway to train journalists on election reporting, adding that journalists will be accredited for election coverage.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Mopelola Abdulmalik-Bashir, also advised journalists to use words wisely in order to avoid setting the nation and state on fire during the elections.

“We must do everything and anything to protect the survival and sovereignty of our country,” Abdulmalik-Bashir said.

The state Commissioner for Communications, Mr Bode Towoju, who represented Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for journalism to thrive.

Towoju appreciated the NUJ and NAWOJ in the state for the cooperation given to the government and for the dissemination of information.

He urged journalists to abide by the ethics of the profession and be fair in their reportage.