Educationist Urges Nigerian Journalists To Embrace New Electoral Law

A Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Edith Nwosu has charged journalists in Nigeria on good and effective reportage under the New Electoral Act.

Nwosu also urged them to desist from sensational reporting, saying that they are the conscience of society, especially at this critical moment when the country is preparing ahead of the 2023 general elections.

She gave the charge at the 2022 Press Week/Annual Lecture and presentation of awards, organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council.

Speaking on the theme, “The New Electoral Act and The Media”, Nwosu who is also the Chairman of the occasion said it is the role of a journalist to ensure that the citizens know what their responsibilities are under the Electoral Act.

She stressed that it is expected of journalists to ensure that what the public sees is what they report.

“See something, you say something. If you don’t see and you are not properly informed by somebody who witnessed, please don’t report it.

“This is because the space is filled with all kinds of news and some of them are vice to us. Some are negative news; because instead of giving hope to the citizenry, it creates fear. May we desist from such sensational reporting, particularly, at this time?

“You have a role to ensure that the citizens know what their responsibilities are under the electoral act. I pray and believe that somehow, you will get sponsorship to do a voter’s education at this time, it is very important.

“From time to time, use the spaces available to you to enlighten the public on the relevant provisions of this Act. This is a major role that you have to play.” She stressed.

Speaking also, a former Chief Judge of Anambra state; and the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Presidential candidate, Prof. Peter Umeadi tasked journalists to always ask questions about certain happenings during the election.

According to the former Chief Judge “It is only when you report those happening that we can have a better Nigeria but if we let people go without asking questions, we are not doing the country well.

“The media should not take 2023 elections for granted, they should report all electoral fraud,” Umeadi said.

He regretted that most journalists announce election results even when the election is ongoing, stressing that it was too bad for the profession and democracy.

The Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi hailed the Chapel on its utility of services in building and informing the society, through the collection, preparation and dissemination of news.

He said that his administration has enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the Chapel in many ways.

He also expressed happiness on the award conferred on him as the most peaceful Governor in Nigeria.

“I was humbled when you corresponded with me on your decision to confer on me the award of the most peaceful Governor in Nigeria.

“In recognition of the peace the state has known under our watch, from its inception, the administration entrusted Enugu state in the hands of God and we have continued to see his hands in all we do.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give, John 14:27, is a biblical verse that allows the fact that peace comes from God,” the Governor said.

Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Lawrence Njoku noted that as mass media practitioners, journalists have a role-play to ensure that society fully benefits from the act.

Njoku said that Nigerians are in dire need of a change in election management, adding that the masses blame poor leadership, underdevelopment, and violence associated with elections, on several gaps in the electoral act.

“They have mounted pressures on the National Assembly to amend the Electrical Act.

“It is as a result of this that a new Electoral Act, 2022 was borne and President Muhammadu Buhari on 25 February, 2022, assented to it, thereby repealing Electoral Act No. 6, 2010.”

 

 

 

Olusola Akintonde