Human Rights

Consider Your Safety First, IPC Counsels Journalists Covering Edo Election

Published

4 months ago

September 20, 2024

Editorial Team

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… Urges Security Agencies, Others To Protect Journalists

By Philip Tayo

The International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos – Nigeria has counselled the journalists covering the Edo State Governorship Election schedule for Saturday, the 21st of September, 2024 to consider their own safety first as they would be filing out to the field on Saturday to report the election.

The 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”.

Offering his candid advise to journalists ahead of the Saturday poll, Arogundade pleaded with reporters not to be partisan, walk or move around alone, to get accredited by INEC, to have place of work identity card, to be smart and brave, to cover violent situations from a reasonable distance and handle classified information with caution.

He also admonished other stakeholders, especially the security agencies to undertake their tasks in a very professional manner.

Also, Arogundade urged the Inspector General of Police to advice officers and men on the field, to protect accredited journalists, pointing out that the media is an important part of the electoral process.

He emphasized the need for journalists to 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:

Melody Akinjiyan (Press Freedom Officer, IPC) – 08132776441

Olutoyin Ayoade (Communication Officer, IPC) – 08114503887

Mr. Arogundade also enjoined journalists to report any threats to the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

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