INEC Charges Media To Guard Against Fake News

By Ayodele Oluwafemi

Ahead of the November 16th Kogi state governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, National Commissioner on Voters Education, Festus Okoye has charged journalists to disregard fake news and abide by the ethics of their profession to achieve a successful election.

Okoye gave the charge, on Wednesday, while delivering a keynote address at a workshop for journalists on the 2019 Kogi Governorship Election: Legal and Procedural Issues, held in Lokoja.

The Commissioner called for journalists support to enable the commission discharge its responsibility effectively, noting that he is open for inquiries.

According to him, “This has since become a threat in our democratic system, as such we should always discourage the spread of all news that will distract our peace and unity in the country. You should be conscious of what will be the consequence when you disseminate the wrong information.

“As we are getting closer to the November 16 governorship election in Kogi State, journalists have to adhere by the code of conduct and the ethics of the profession. Most politicians during elections are into fake news and hate speech, if you don’t assist them, they will go nowhere.”

On his part, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Kogi state council,  Comrade Adeiza Momoh-Jimoh re-echoed the importance of training and workshop for journalists on the coverage of elections.

He noted journalists who are yet to acquire the necessary qualifications to do so in order to avoid being sanctioned by the Union.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG