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Ahead of the Edo governorship election on Saturday, the International Press Centre (IPC) has charged journalists, security operatives and other stakeholders to be safety-conscious.
In a statement signed by the IPC Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, IPC urged the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to advise his officers and men on the field to protect accredited journalists, as a critical part of the electoral process.
The centre also urged professionals that would be on electoral duty the Saturday, September 21, 2024 election to pay a deserved attention to their safety.
According to the Centre’s Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, the call was necessary because of the incessant attacks being carried out on journalists during elections by political actors and others.
“The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos- Nigeria has enjoined journalists and other media professionals that would be on electoral duty in Edo State on Saturday, 21st September 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 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 internalize the following tips:
“Be non-partisan, don’t walk or move alone, be INEC accredited and have your organizational identity card, be brave and smart…i.e. cover violent situations from a reasonable distance, 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 advice 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 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 tab on the safety of journalists, IPC said that there are safety alert officers who journalists under threat/attack can report to via calls or messages. The concerned officers,” the statement further read.
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