Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has assured of adequate security for journalists accredited to cover the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states.
Prof. Yakubu gave the assurance at the quarterly consultative meeting of INEC with media executives held Thursday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
He noted that INEC would sustain the close collaboration with the media, asking them to remain professional while carrying out their assignments.
He said: ”You may recall that at our last meeting, we promised to share with you our plans and preparations for the off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States scheduled for Saturday 11th November 2023.
“I am glad to note that many of you here today are either directly involved in the coverage of the election or deploying teams of journalists to the three states.
“In fact, our updated statistics show that 94 media organisations, deploying 1,255 personnel, have been accredited for the elections.
“In the next few days, the accredited media organisations will be notified of the date for the collection of the identity cards for their officials.
“About two weeks ago, the Commission conducted a mock accreditation involving actual voters in designated polling units in the three States.
“By doing so, we tested the efficacy of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for both biometric authentication of voters and the upload of result to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
“Some of you observed the mock accreditation exercise and viewed the results on the IReV portal. We have received no adverse report so far.
“By this, we are encouraged that the test was successful and we look forward to improved performance of the BVAS in voter accreditation and result upload in the forthcoming Governorship elections and beyond.
“Election is a multi-stakeholder activity. In discharging our responsibilities, we will continue to engage with all stakeholders. One of such engagements is with the security agencies. In previous elections, media organisations have expressed concern about the safety of journalists, technical staff and protection of the equipment you deploy on Election Day.
“Similarly, you have on several occasions urged the Commission to intercede with the security agencies to grant you unimpeded access to polling and collation locations. I want to reassure you that we will continue to do so as we engage with the security agencies both at the national level and in the three States.
“At the same time, I wish to remind all media organisations to strictly adhere to the ethics of your profession. We welcome reports on the election. At the same time, you should form a bulwark against fake news. For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission does not believe in censorship.
“We have said repeatedly that the best antidote to fake news is greater openness and regular and consistent engagement with stakeholders. We will continue to work together in this regard.
“Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi Governorship elections are critical to the Commission.
“At this meeting, we will fully brief you about our level of preparations. In return, we will appreciate your comments and observations.”
The INEC Boss also assured that the report of the review of the last general election would soon be ready and would be made available for all Nigerians.
“You may recall that our last meeting focused on the review of the last General Election as part of a wider consultation with stakeholders. The review engagements have been concluded.
“The report is being finalised. So too is the main report on the 2023 General Election.
“As soon as they are published, the Commission will, as usual, share the reports with Nigerians.
“We believe that the two documents will contribute to the on-going conversation towards improving the future conduct of elections in Nigeria,” the INEC boss stated.
