As the Edo State governorship election approaches on Saturday, September 21, 2024, the International Press Centre (IPC) has issued an important advisory for journalists, security personnel, and other stakeholders. With concerns over the safety of media professionals, the IPC is calling for increased awareness and precautionary measures to ensure their protection during the election process.
In a statement signed by IPC's Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, the Centre stressed the need for all parties involved in the election, especially security operatives, to prioritize the safety of journalists. This call is particularly directed at the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, urging him to ensure that accredited journalists are safeguarded by officers on the field.
According to the Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, the safety of journalists has become a pressing issue due to the growing number of attacks on media professionals during election periods. These assaults are often carried out by political actors and other elements in the electoral process, leading to an environment of tension and conflict.
Arogundade emphasized the critical role of journalists in promoting transparency and credibility in elections. As such, it is essential that they are able to carry out their duties without fear of violence or harassment. He stated, Journalists are an integral part of the electoral process, and their safety should be a priority for all stakeholders.
To mitigate risks, the IPC has provided a series of safety recommendations for journalists covering the Edo governorship election.
Ensure you have your Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accreditation and your organizational ID card.
Exercise caution in violent situations: Cover potentially dangerous events from a safe distance.
Handle sensitive information carefully: Be mindful of how you manage classified or potentially inflammatory information.
A key part of ensuring journalists' safety lies in the conduct of security personnel. The IPC has urged the Inspector General of Police to advise officers to offer protection to accredited journalists, recognizing their pivotal role in the electoral process. The Centre also called on security agencies to carry out their duties with professionalism, ensuring that journalists are allowed to operate freely without undue interference or threats.
The IPC's call extends beyond journalists and security personnel to other election stakeholders, including observers and civil society organizations. Arogundade urged these groups to collaborate with the media by providing timely and accurate information, contributing to the smooth conduct of the election.
As part of its efforts to ensure journalists' safety, the IPC has set up safety alert officers. Journalists who find themselves under threat or attack can report incidents to these officers through calls or messages, ensuring swift action and support.
The upcoming Edo governorship election is a crucial event, and the role of the media in providing balanced, accurate, and timely coverage cannot be overstated. However, the safety of journalists is paramount. The IPC’s advisory serves as a timely reminder for all stakeholders to prioritize the protection of those reporting on the ground, ensuring that the election process remains transparent, free, and fair.
As we look forward to the election day, the responsibility to uphold the credibility of the process rests on the collective efforts of journalists, security agencies, and other stakeholders. By being safety conscious and working together, we can help ensure the success of the Edo governorship election.
It underscores the importance of safety for journalists in the field and the collaborative efforts needed to secure a peaceful and credible election.