Nyerhovwo Oghenetejiri
As the October 25, 2014 date slated for council polls in Delta state, Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, has appealed to journalists operating in the state on the need to report events concerning the election in a factual and accurate manner.
This appeal was made by Mr. Moses A. Ogbe, chairman, Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC in Asaba during a one day workshop organized by the Commission in conjunction with state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ for correspondents in the state.
Mr. Ogbe said the workshop was designed to get media men professionally orientated on election issues especially for journalists that would be taking part in the electioneering process as well as it was a progress the Commission was making in terms of preparation ahead of the election for onward dissemination to the electorates.
The DSIEC boss noted that as the elections draw near, it is the Commissions’ desire that events be reported factually and accurately and not to peddle false information that is capable of inciting members of the public.
According to Mr.Ogbe, “It must be emphasized that DSIEC by undertaking this event, is by no means out to burnished or polished its image. We desire that we must be reported factually and accurately. Let your assessment of DSIEC be verifiable at all times.This means that there must be no subterranean influences such as inducement and pandering after the whims of any one or indeed the sheer intimidating or even benumbing or stupefying influence of power have anything to do with what is said about DSIEC and its activities.
We cherish developmental journalism and welcome constructive criticism intended to improve rather than destroy. For avoidance of doubt, we do not seek anyone to massage our ego either. Simply tell the world who and what we are accurately doing.”
While delivering a lecture titled “Ethics and Elections: Understanding the context and imperatives”, a guest lecturer from the department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, Edith Ohaja tasked journalists to adhered to ethics of the profession.
While admonishing newsmen against sensationalism, she advised that in electioneering period all the political parties should be given fair and equal coverage to blossom the country’s democracy.
