NUJ Calls For Caution As Nigeria Decides New President This Saturday
NUJ Calls For Caution As Nigeria Decides New President This Saturday
As Nigerians go to polls this Saturday, the National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, has called on the Election Management Body-INEC to ensure a smooth, free and fair process where the people’s choice will emerge as President of the Country.
He believes that this is very important and necessary for the unity, progress and development of the Country.
Comrade Chris Isiguzo, made this pronouncement in a Media Release made available by the National Secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists through Shuaibu Usman Leman, Walin Shadalafiya.
Comrade Chris Isiguso, further appeals to the politicians to stop overheating the polity ahead of the election through blackmail, hate speeches, spreading of fake news, use of intemperate language, vote buying and use of violence.
Beside this, he disclosed that the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, in furtherance of its roles of promoting democratic culture has opened an Election Situation Room at the Headquarters of the Union on Abuja, ahead of this Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Comrade Chris Isiguso, who is in-charge of the Situation Room, is expected to receive reports from Journalists on election duty on acts of impunity against the media through dedicated telephone to the 36 state councils of the Union and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Aside from this, President Chris Isiguso, cautions Journalists to be on alert at all times while on election duty. He specifically advises journalists in the field to work together with other colleagues in groups and warns them to avoid any area where they feel insecured or threatened.
In realisation of the need to promote safety of journalists and peaceful elections through professional coverage of elections , NUJ, according to Chris Isiguso, had in collaboration with the Election Management Body- INEC and Centre for Democracy and Development ( CDD), organised series of workshops last year on Conflict Sensitive Reporting and the 2023 General Election for Journalists across the country.
Above all, he particularly appeals to the Federal Government and all States of the Federation to take effective measures for better protection of Journalists while on election duty.
He further frowned at a situation where those in authority deliberately use security personnel or other Freelance non state actors to threaten Journalists or out rightly attack them and their equipment.
