Edo decides: IPC tasks journalists, security operatives and stakeholders on safety

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos- Nigeria has enjoined journalists and other media professionals on electoral duty in Edo State on Saturday, 21st September 2024 to pay attention to their safety.

In a press statement signed and issued by the IPC Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan; he urged security operatives and stakeholders that would be involved in the Edo State Governorship election to ensure the safety of journalists who would be on the ground to report the election processes as it unfold is of utmost priority.

In the statement, IPC’s Executive Director, Mr, Lanre Arogundade also stressed that the call was warranted due to the trend of journalist attacks during an election period.

in his words, ” 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.”

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“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. Journalists are expected to take into consideration some safety measures while on the field.”

He urged journalists to be “be non-partisan, don’t walk or move alone, be INEC accredited and have your organizational identity card, be brave and smart…i.e. cover violent situations from a reasonable distance, handle classified information appropriately.”

He admonished other stakeholders, especially security agencies, to undertake their tasks very professionally. He urged The Inspector General of Police to advise officers and men on the field, to protect accredited journalists, because the media is a critical part of the electoral process. He said Journalists should be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them to 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.