Don’t Disappoint Nigerians, editors tell INEC, security agencies, others

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders not to disappoint the people, as the country is on the brink of transitioning to another democratic government with a President and a National Assembly. elections scheduled for February 25 and the Governor/State Assembly polls scheduled for March 11.

In a communique signed by the President, Mustpha Isah, and the Secretary General, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, at the end of the Standing Committee in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital at the weekend, the umbrella of all editors in Nigeria said that Nigerians want their voices heard. count and hope for free, fair and credible elections, without violence.

“We call on INEC to promise early distribution of election materials to polling units on election day and ensure that its personnel, in their conduct, do not deviate from the provisions of the Electoral Act and other laws that guide elections.

“NGE notes that all eyes will be focused on the operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and urges the electoral body to ensure that the device is in the best shape, so that it can perform optimally and implement the intended objectives during the election.”, the statement said. added.

The editors also called on the electoral body to ensure the secrecy of the ballot, by ensuring that the booths are properly installed to achieve this and that cameras are guarded by the voters when they vote.

The Guild noted the important role of security agencies in achieving free, fair and credible elections, calling for them to be impartial and ensure that voters can exercise their franchise freely in a peaceful atmosphere without intimidation.

It also called on security agencies to be on the lookout for vote buyers with a view to arresting and prosecuting violators, and advised them to provide adequate security to election officials and materials.

Expressing concern about the activities of some political parties since the start of the ongoing campaign, the editors advise political parties and their candidates to follow the rules and impress upon their supporters to refrain from violence before, during and after the elections.

NGE added, “We call on politicians to let their party manifestos and campaign promises guide voters to make their choice, and not to confuse voters through vote buying.

“Guild urges voters to come out to exercise their civil rights by getting out the vote on election day and avoid voter apathy.”

Realizing that the media has a role to play in ensuring free and fair elections, the NGE calls on the media to be professional in their reportage and ensure they check the correct facts before publishing their reports.

The editors also call on all stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), local and international election monitors/observers to play their role in the legal field to ensure that the country has a successful election and other transitions.,

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The Guild also noted the current challenges of the cashless policy and advised the government, especially the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to address all challenges that could affect the conduct of general elections.

The Guild appreciates the Ogun State government for providing a conducive atmosphere for the Standing Committee meeting to be held in the state.

To: Guild of Nigerian Editors

Mustapha Isah
President

Iyobosa Uwugia’s Ph.D
General Secretary