Poll: NUJ Urges Security Agencies To Safeguard Lives Of Journalists In Ekiti

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ekiti State Council has called on authorities of various security agencies in Ekiti State to ensure adequate security of lives and property of Journalists covering the Saturday’s election and subsequent ones across the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by the secretary of the council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi in Ado Ekiti.

The statement equally enjoined Journalists to be professional and put the interest of the nation first in their reportage by avoiding all news that could promote violence or mar the electoral process.

According to the statement, Journalists are critical stakeholders in electoral process and what ever action they take could have a serious consequential effects on the process either positively or negatively.

It reads: “The Union is worried about the reported cases of attack and harassment of Journalists on election days sometimes by even the security agents who are supposed to protect them.

“We don’t want a repeat of this ugly situation and that is why we a pleading with the security chiefs in the state to prevail on their officers and men to see Journalists as their friend and brother who are both working for the same goal.

“It is important that security agents treat Journalists with respect and in the case of disagreement it should be handled in a civil manner rather than treating Journalists with disdain.

Journalists must also be meek and avoid unnecessary confrontation.

“We equally appeal to people of Ekiti State to come in large number and vote for candidate of their choice without causing any trouble.