2019 ELECTION: Editors warn politicians, security agents

Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on politicians and security agencies in the country not to intimidate voters at the polls during the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

The editors gave the warning on Sunday, asking politicians and security agencies which will be deployed to monitor the election to allow the electorate freely choose candidates of their choice.

The group which decried the “culture of winning at all costs”, asked that such be jettisoned for democracy to thrive in the country. It also lamented the level of insecurity in the country calling on the Federal Government to urgently tackle the menace.

The group stated this in a communique it issued at the end of its five-day 14th All Nigeria Editors Conference held in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the NGE.

The communique themed “Credible Elections, Sustainable Democracy and the Nigerian Media” was signed by NGE President and Secretary-General, Funke Egbemode and Victoria Ibanga, respectively.

“Editors called on politicians and security agencies not to intimidate the electorate, but to allow voters to freely make their choices for democracy to thrive in Nigeria. Politicians were advised to do away with the culture of winning at all costs and by all means in the forth-coming elections so as to avert electoral violence.

“Commended the 91 political parties in the country for the maturity displayed during the party primaries of most of them but frowned on the allegations of vote-buying which the editors observed was a subtle but worrisome way of institutionalising corruption.”

They noted in the communiqué that social media emergence has threatened the role of the traditional media, saying that balanced reporting, truth and accuracy were being gradually and consistently relegated.

NGE meanwhile accepted to defend the truth by ensuring professional practice. It therefore prayed journalists in the country to put more efforts that would deepen the nation’s democracy through investigative and balanced reports.

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It added, “The conference observed that elections in Nigeria are not built on truth and, therefore urged the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, to remain independent in its practice by allowing citizens’ votes to count, as such is cardinal to sustaining democracy.

“The conference challenged media practitioners to join in the mobilisation of Nigerians through unbiased reports to take collective responsibility in choosing leaders for the nation in the next general elections.

“Editors urged the publishers and chief executives of media establishments to play down on the commoditisation of information to enhance objectivity.”

 

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