Ahead of the Governorship election in Edo State, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos has released safety telephone lines for journalists and other media professionals covering the election.
In a release signed by IPC’s Program Officer/ Safety Alert Officer, Melody Lawal, the organisation’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade alerted journalists for possible violence during the election in the light of the emerging accusations and counter-accusations by political actors and other players in the electoral process.
The lines to call are:
Melody Lawal (Safety Alert Officer, IPC) – 08132776441
Rosemary Nwaebuni, Safety of Journalists’ Monitor, (South-South) – 08035146978
Arogundade noted that though the signing of the peace accord has allayed fears, violence in elections is often unpredictable, so staying safe should be a priority of journalists.
“It is very important for journalists covering the Edo State election to be safety conscious in the discharge of their duties and to avoid situations that will put them in harm’s way. Journalists should proactively balance eagerness for news with safety consciousness. If there is an outbreak of violence, journalists should ensure to stay safe and not be caught in the melee of violent disruptions.
“Journalists are also expected to be non-partisan. Being partisan is not only about being a member of a political party but also includes the use of expressions and/or impressions with statements, tags, symbols and colours that portray or identify with a particular political party or personality,” Arogundade said.
Arogundade who advised journalists covering the election not to forget about ensuring their personal safety also admonished other stakeholders, especially the security agencies to undertake their tasks in a very professional manner, and especially to recognize that the media is a critical factor for credible and peaceful elections.
“The security forces should note that the media is a critical part of the electoral process and so the media should be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them to carry out their social obligations as partners in enshrining the credibility of the electoral process.
“Other stakeholders, including elections observers, should also proactively provide journalists covering the elections with information to ensure that all work together for the credibility of the electoral process”, Arogundade added.
As part of initiatives to keep a tab on the safety consciousness of journalists, IPC said that there are safety alert officers who journalists under threat/attack can report to. Arogundade said that in cases of attacks or insecurity issues, concerned journalists on the field can contact any of the following persons.
Melody Lawal (Safety Alert Officer, IPC) – 08132776441
Rosemary Nwaebuni, Safety of Journalists’ Monitor, (South-South) – 08035146978
Report by Dayo Emmanuel
