Participants at the just concluded capacity building workshop on conflict and sensitive reporting and the 2023 general elections for working Journalists in Kano have stressed the need to ensure safety of media professionals before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
The call was contained in a communique issued at the end of the One Day workshop held at Ten To Ten Restaurant In Kano on Wednesday.
Read also: We Won’t Allow NNPP Perpetrate Violence, Rig Elections In Kano – Garba
The communique which was signed by the
Chairman and Secretary Drafting Committee, Abubakar A. Dangambo and
Hadiza Muhammad respectively, called for provision of adequate security for all stakeholders before, during and after the polls.
The Participants, who were drawn from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and various media organizations in the state resolved to work closely with other relevant stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2023.
Read also: Protests Against Bello Matawalle, Politically Motivated—Kwankwaso
They also called for continuous training and retraining of media professionals for effective reportage of political activities including elections.
The Participants further called for continuous collaboration with relevant bodies for voter education and sensitization.
While ensuring fair and objective reportage in the coverage of the 2023 general elections, using the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act, as amended, the Communique urged media professionals to avoid casting sensational headlines and fake news breaks in their reportage of campaigns and elections.
Read also: Character Assassination: Senator Kawu Sumaila Threatens Legal Action Against Kano NNPP Chairman
“The professionals then advised fellow journalists to distance themselves from dangerous situations and occurrences during campaigns and elections,so as to be safe and alive to write their stories.
“In addition the communique urged journalists develop themselves and update their knowledge on happenings around Nigeria and the world for effective discharge of their duties.
