September 19, (THEWILL) – On Saturday, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, enjoined journalists and other media professionals on electoral duty in Edo State, on September 21, 2024, to pay deserved attention to their safety. IPC also urged security operatives and other stakeholders that would be involved in the Edo State Governorship election to help ensure the safety of journalists.
IPC’s Executive Director, Mr Lanre Arogundade, said the call was necessary because of the consistent trend of journalists being victims of attacks during the election period and the conflicts and tension by political actors and other players in the electoral process in the state.
“It is very important for journalists covering the Edo State election, to be safety conscious in the discharge of their duties and to avoid situations that will put them in danger. Journalists are expected to take into consideration some safety measures while on the field he said, adding that they should internalise the following tips: Be non-partisan, don’t walk or move alone, be INEC accredited and have your organisational identity card, be brave and smart, that is, cover violent situations from a reasonable distance and handle classified information appropriately.”
He also admonished other stakeholders, especially the security agencies to undertake their tasks in a very professional manner.
He urged the Inspector General of Police, to advise officers and men on the field, to protect accredited journalists, because the media is a critical part of the electoral process and journalists should be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them to carry out their social obligations as partners in enshrining the credibility of the electoral process.
“Other stakeholders, including elections observers, should also proactively provide journalists covering the elections with information to ensure that all work together for the success of the elections”, Mr Arogundade added.
As part of initiatives to keep tabs on the safety of journalists, IPC said that there are safety alert officers, where journalists under threat/attack can report via calls or messages. The concerned officers are:
Melody Akinjiyan (Press Freedom Officer, IPC) – 08132776441
Olutoyin Ayoade (Communication Officer, IPC) – 08114503887
Mr Arogundade also urged journalists to report any threats to the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
