Ahead of tomorrow’s Local Government elections in Kwara State, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council has called for maximum protection and safety of Journalists and observers that would be assigned for the coverage of the elections.
In a statement issued in Ilorin on Friday, the State Chairman of the Union, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, and Secretary, Mahmood Olayinka Alaya, emphasized the critical role Journalists play in ensuring transparent and fair polls.
The Union urged security personnel deployed for the elections to ensure that Journalists who will be monitoring the exercise across the sixteen local government areas of the state carry out their duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The NUJ cautioned that any form of harassment or intimidation of Journalists while performing their constitutionally guaranteed duties would not be tolerated.
“As the watchdog of the society, members of the fourth estate of the realm must be accorded their due rights and respect before, during, and after the electoral process.
“Any attack on Journalists is an attack on democracy itself”, the statement warned.
The NUJ also stressed the need for security agencies to ensure watertight security throughout the period allotted for the electoral process, urging security personnel to be proactive in addressing potential threats that may compromise the integrity of the elections or put media professionals at risk.
In addition, the Union called on the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) to maintain an unbiased position throughout the entire process.
The statement appealed to the electoral umpire to ensure timely distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to polling units, thereby preventing delay or other issues that could hinder the smooth conduct of the elections.
The statement also encouraged eligible voters across the state to exercise their voting rights responsibly and urged them to remain calm and law-abiding during the process.
“This exercise is an opportunity for the people of Kwara State to shape the future of their local government areas. It is fundamental that eligible voters come out and exercise their franchise and do so devoid of fear,” the NUJ advised.
The Union reminded voters to stay informed throughout the electioneering period by tuning into radio stations across the state, which will be providing live coverage and updates on the electoral process, while Journalists deployed to various polling units to monitor the voting process would also provide timely reports on the proceedings.
