Osun Election: NUJ calls for safety of journalists covering polls

n n

By Enitan Abdultawab

n

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, has urged political parties, security agencies, election officials and other stakeholders to protect journalists covering Saturday’s governorship election.

n

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, and Secretary, Olalekan Akindoju, the council said journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation, harassment, assault, arrest or obstruction.

n

The NUJ also advised journalists to prioritise their safety, avoid confrontations and promptly report any incident that threatens their safety or ability to work.

n

The union encouraged journalists to use the WaFlo WhatsApp-enabled live election incident reporting system deployed by the International Press Centre.

n

The AI-assisted platform allows journalists to report and document incidents involving threats, harassment, attacks, detention, equipment seizure, denial of access and other forms of interference.

n

Journalists can access the Safe Media WhatsApp prompt through the designated channel or send “safemedia” to https://dub.sh/safemedia, or by typing “safemedia” and sending the text to 0805 877 8053.

n

The council called on security agencies to recognise journalists as important participants in the democratic process and provide adequate protection at polling units, collation centres and other election locations.

n

It also urged journalists to maintain professionalism, impartiality and accuracy while covering the election.

n

The NUJ stressed that all stakeholders must work together to preserve peace and ensure voters can exercise their rights freely while journalists report the electoral process safely.

n n