Anambra 2021: IPC establishes Journalists’ Safety Monitoring & Alert Desk

The International Press Centre, IPC Lagos-Nigeria, has established  a Special Journalists’ Safety Monitoring & Alert Desk for Journalists and other media professionals covering the  Anambra poll.

IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said the special alert desk operation commenced on  Friday November 5 to Sunday November 7 to cover the immediate pre-election, the election and the immediate post-election periods.

“Journalists have been molested by security agents and political thugs during previous elections despite accreditation by INEC and nothing can be taken for granted”, Mr. Arogundade stated.

The special alert desk will monitor and document the situation of journalists and other media professionals and send out immediate alerts if they encounter problems.

Journalists and other media professionals in Anambra  are  advised to reach the special alert desk should the need arise on four hotlines and two social media platforms.

The phone numbers are + 234 802 362 6281,+234 806 381 0424, 234 813 277 6441 and 234 0811 450 3887.

The social media platforms are ,Twitter: @IPCng and Facebook: IPC Nigeria.IPC also advises journalists and other media professionals covering the elections to avail themselves of the services of the ANAMBRA GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION SECURITY MONITORING ROOM established by the Cleen Foundation.

Emergencies

In case of any emergency or distress, they can call the situation room numbers, + 234 8060463492, I’m+234 9032506317

The Anambra State Council of the NUJ can also be reached on + 2348039329116, +2348181119464

In the alternative they can reach the following senior police officers as provided by the situation room on + 234 7034135464.

The Police officers are , Acting , DIG ZAKI M. AHMED (OPERATIONS)+234 8106160007
AIG DASUKI D. GALADANCHI,mni (CTU) + 234 8110542985 AIG ABANG B. JOHN (PMF) + 234 8033018835 AIG MURI UMAR MUSA (ZONE 13) on + 234 8036448894 CP ECHENG ECHENG – ANAMBRA COMMAND Commissioner of Police  on 234 7039194332 CONTROL ROOM NUMBERComplaints about police actions can also be directed to these two numbers , +234 8131199111 and +234 8057000001

IPC also charges journalists covering the election to abide with the provisions of the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage requiring adherence to the ethical and professional standards of factual accuracy, discipline of verification, avoidance of disinformation and misinformation, avoidance of hate speech and conflict sensitivity.

They should equally abide with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and refrain from publishing results that are not approved by INEC.

IPC particularly enjoins journalists on the ground to always have on them INEC’s accreditation card and organisational identity card,  Refrain from going out if not accredited by INEC,Constantly inform colleagues or editors and family about location and challenges, Be familiar with the polling units in advance, and identify exit points in case of emergency,  Wear appropriate PPE, Back up documents in a secure storage, Draw up a plan B in case of loss of internet and devices and other crisis situations, Memorise an emergency number in case of loss of phone.

Other precautions are  having an emergency phone enabled with SOS apps, so numbers can be contacted on speed dial, avoiding  confrontations with the police or individuals and avoid moving alone, but in group.