The Independent National Electoral Commission has assured journalists of unrestricted access and enhanced security measures for voters and personnel in the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
According to The PUNCH, this announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with media executives in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Edo State governorship election is set for September 21, 2024, while the Ondo State election is scheduled for November 16, 2024.
Yakubu called on journalists to persist in their efforts to combat fake news as the elections approach.
He said, “It is now 51 days to the Edo State Governorship election coming up on Saturday 21st September 2024. Our preparations are going on in earnest.
“I am glad to report that we have recovered from the torrential rainfall that resulted in the severe flooding of our State Headquarters in Benin City two months ago.
“The damage to the physical infrastructure as well as movable and immovable facilities are being fixed or replaced.
He noted that political campaigns by parties and candidates are actively ongoing in both states.
Expressing concern over a recent incident in Edo State which resulted in the death of a security personnel, Yakubu noted that no further incidents have occurred since then.
He added, “Nevertheless, the commission will meet with the security agencies as early as Friday this week under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
“I want to assure you that security in Edo and Ondo will be a major issue for discussion at the meeting.
“We are as concerned about the safety of your personnel and equipment just as we are about the security of our officials, observers, service providers, and, above all, the voters. We will also work with the security agencies to ensure that accredited journalists are granted unimpeded access to all voting and collation locations.”
The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chris Isiguzo, affirmed the media’s commitment to aiding INEC in preserving electoral integrity.
He emphasized that the media would continue to work with INEC to promote a transparent and accountable democratic process that accurately represents the people’s will.
He also highlighted the importance of the partnership between INEC and the media as Nigeria approaches the off-season gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo.
