Ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on political parties, security agencies, election officials and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of journalists covering the exercise.
The union made the call as voters across the state prepare to cast their ballots, stressing that journalists must be allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibility of informing the public without intimidation, harassment or interference.
NUJ Warns Against Attacks on Journalists
In a statement signed by the NUJ Council Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, and Secretary, Olalekan Akindoju, the union said journalists should be able to perform their duties without assault, arrest, obstruction, threats or any other form of interference.
The council urged political parties, candidates and their supporters, security personnel and other election stakeholders to ensure journalists covering the election can move freely and safely while reporting from polling units, collation centres and other locations.
It also advised journalists to prioritise their personal safety, exercise caution in volatile situations and avoid unnecessary confrontations during the election.
The union urged media personnel to document and promptly report incidents that threaten their safety or prevent them from carrying out their professional duties.
NUJ Promotes Real-Time Incident Reporting
The NUJ also encouraged journalists covering the election to use the WaFlo WhatsApp-enabled live election incident reporting system deployed by the International Press Centre (IPC).
According to the council, the platform uses AI-assisted technology to support the real-time reporting, documentation and monitoring of incidents affecting journalists and press freedom during the election.
Journalists can access the reporting channel through the Safe Media WhatsApp prompt at “dub.sh/safemedia” or by sending “safemedia” to 0805 877 8053.
The council urged journalists to use the platform responsibly by accurately reporting incidents such as threats, harassment, physical attacks, detention, seizure of equipment, denial of access and other forms of interference.
Security Agencies Asked to Protect Media Workers
The NUJ called on security agencies to recognise journalists as essential actors in the democratic process and provide adequate protection for media personnel working across election-related locations.
The union further urged journalists to uphold professionalism, impartiality and accuracy in their coverage of the election.
It stressed that all stakeholders have a responsibility to protect the peace and create an environment where voters can freely exercise their rights while journalists can safely and independently report the electoral process.
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