Elections: Journalists urged to give equitable access to candidates

Journalists in Benue State were on Friday reminded to give equitable media access to candidates of all political parties in reporting election as enshrined in the Nigerian media code.

Head of Voters Education for INEC in Plateau State, Osaretin Imahiyereobo, handed the reminder on Friday at a oneday workshop for journalists in Benue state on election coverage organised by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD).

“An election that goes well can strengthen a maturing democracy The 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, has flagged-off Operation Python Dance III - Egwu Eke, saying it is conceptualised to combat prevailing security challenges such as stockpiling of arms by criminal groups, formation of militias, and violence induced by political activities.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Nuhu Angbazo yesterday gave reasons for the operation at the flag-off exercise at Rafiki village, Dutse Kura of Bassa LGA of Plateau State.

Angbazo said the exercise is expected to cover the division’s areas of responsibility which include Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba states. “The exercise is in line with the but an election that goes bad can destroy the democratic gain of many years,” he said.

Imahiyereobo emphasised that journalists should also endeavour to disseminate accurate information by verifying their stories from right sources as well as authorities in order to sustain democratic gains.

Earlier, the HD’s Dr Ahmed Yassin, noted in an opening remark that the workshop was meant to train journalists in the state on effective ways to cover elections by sharing ideas and experiences from within and outside countries including Kenya where his organisation office is also located. Army Headquarters’ directives and it is aimed at reassuring the general public of the federal government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians by building confidence before, during and after the 2019 general elections.”

Angbazo added that the exercise will be conducted in collaboration with sister services as well as para-military agencies to checkmate security threats such as terrorism, militancy, kidnapping, banditry, and others.

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, described said the exercise is timely. Represented by the state Commissioner for Mineral Development, Ezekiel Daju, he stated: “It’s our common belief that with this exercise and other security-related operations that are taking place across the country, peace and security will return.”