The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has charged the media to embrace professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities in the July 16th governorship election in Osun State.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye made the call in Osogbo at a roundtable with media executives ahead of the forthcoming poll.
Mr Okoye who advised journalists to equip themselves with the 2022 Electoral Act, said the measure would go along way in enhancing their knowledge of electoral activities and reportage.
The National Electoral Commissioner noted that media is key to the sustenance of the nation’s democratic governance hence the need for the professionals to desist from reporting unverified stories that could mar the electoral process.
He gave assurance that the commission is fully prepared to organise a fair, acceptable and credible election in the state.
Also speaking, the Deputy Country Director, International Foundation For Electoral Systems, IFES, Mr Ukeh Obaje said the organization would continue to support electoral umpire in the task of organising credible election in the country.
Mr Obaje described the media as critical stakeholders in the electoral process and the roundtable would further refresh the professionals on what were expected of them during and after the July 16th governorship election in Osun state.
The roundtable was attended by media executives and journalists in the state and beyond.
