From Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought the support and cooperation of journalists toward a peaceful and successful forthcoming Plateau South Senatorial bye-election, in Plateau State.
The Electoral umpire also promised to provide “adequate and timely” information to journalists to enable objective reportage.
This was disclosed by the Head, Publicity and Voter Education of the commission in the state, Mrs Marylisa Uloko, when she visited members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Plateau Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the weekend.
Uloko, who was newly posted to the state, said the role of the media in ensuring a free, fair and and credible polls, cannot be over-emphased .
“The media play key role to the success of every election; what you report goes a long way in ensuring elections are conducted peaceful
“You are all aware of the forthcoming Senatorial bye-election slated for October 31, 2020, we will need your support and cooperation to conduct a hitch-free poll,” she appeal
Uloko, who promised to provide adequate and timely information to journalists to enable objective reportage, also urged reporters to seek clarifications before going to the press.
She urged members of the chapel to accord her same support and cooperation accorded to her predecessor, to enable her succeed.
Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Gyang Bere, thanked Uloko for the visit and promised to ease her work in the state through maximum support and cooperation.
“We are partners in progress; we have had cordial working relationship with INEC in the past and it has not changed.
“We shall cooperate and support you because we are all working towards strengthening our democracy and make the society better,” he said.
The Senatorial bye-election was necessitated as a result of the demise of Sen. Ignatius Longjan in February, 2020, who representated the Southern Senatorial Zone of the state
Meantime, the election fixed for October 31st, 2020, has pitched Prof. Nora Daduut of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and former Speaker of the State Assembly and one time House of Representatives Member for (Shendam/Mikang/Quaan Pan) constituency, Rt. Hon. George Edwards Daika of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as top contenders for the position.
