By Gbenga Davies
Bearly 3weeks after the Anambra elections which was held on the 6th November 2021,the Independent National Electoral Commission Inec held an interactive with media executives to further strengthening the relationship inother to conduct a free,fair and credible election.
The meeting which had in attendance Inec Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu,National Commissioner And Chairman, information and voter education Barrister Festus Okoye,Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner Mr Sam Olumekun,National Commissioners, and Online Publishers with the theme Strengthening Inec/Media partnership for the consolidation of free,fair,credible and inclusive elections.
The Chairman Prof.Mahmood Yakubu in his address said INEC and the media play a vital role in sustaining democracy and democratic governance.
He said Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections are holding on the 18th June 2022 and 16th July 2022 respectively.
He went further on Direct primaries that was included in the electoral bill,he said the bill has been passed into law by the National Assembly waiting for the presidential assent. He said once the bill is concluded the bill becomes law and every person and authority in Nigeria, including the commission must obey.
The National Commissioner and chairman information and voter education Barrister Festus Okoye said the media must understand clearly the constitution and legal mission and mandate of the commission both as an umpire and a regulator.
He said the media must have a working knowledge of the constitutive constitutional,legal and regulatory instruments that guide and underpin the work of the commission.
The Lagos State Residents Electoral Commissioner Sam Olumekun in his welcome address commended the INEC Chairman Prof.Mahmood Yakubu and other members of the commission for constantly seeking to improve the electoral processes.
He appreciated the media for their tremendous support over the years,and also appealing to Lagosians for the need to register or transfer their Pvc at all sundry to units closer to them is very important.
The Chairman said the commission is committed of the antidote to fake news is greater transparency and openess.
The chief press Secretary to Inec Chairman Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi said media executives are the trusted gate keeper and its very important to call media executives to let them know what the commission has been doing for the preparation of 2023 general election.
The President of Guild of Editors Mallam Mustapha Isah said the media is ready to work with Inec for democracy to thrive and making the general election free,fair and credible.
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