From Alex Ibeh
Journalists in Imo State have been urged to be objective in reporting all activities concerning the forthcoming November 11th governorship election in the state.
International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos which gave the charge in a 2-day training and workshop program it organized for media practitioners in the state held at Owerri, said objective reportage would help in achieving credibility in the exercise.
Speaking, Melody Akinjiyan, IPC Program Officer said the event was organized to analyse the role of the media in promoting a credible, free and fair elections.
Akinjiyan noted that the workshop was in lieu to the programs implemented by IPC, as lead partner, and the centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) under Component 4 Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGNII) project.
Delivering a lecture titled: "Bringing Gender perspective to bear on Imo Governorship Election" by Mrs. Angela Agoawike , the CEO of Omalicha Radio Station, Imo journalists were urged to prioritize the general interest of the people over individual gains in their reportage.
She expressed concern that women have received minimal opportunity in political leadership despite their enormous contributions cum immense impact in the political landscape of the country.
She also solicited support for women in politics, stressing that it was high time, women were given opportunities to contribute their quota to political development, effective leadership and good governance for the overall good of the people.
In the same vein, Sir Taiwo Obe, Founder/Director, Journalism Clinic, admonished the participants on the imperative of carrying out proper investigation on their reports before to the press or public with it.
Also, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, INEC, Imo State, Prof. Sylvia Agu gave a rundown of efforts made so far by the Commission in the build-up to the coming Imo guber poll especially in the area of logistics, staffing, security among others.
Prof. Agu after entertaining questions from journalists specifically, complaints from the last Presidential and House of Assembly elections in the state, assured the people of the Commission readiness to ensure that the forthcoming election is credible, free and fair.
The workshop which featured highly experienced media professionals, according to the participants was educating, informative and timely.
They applauded the organizers for the training, saying that the knowledge gained therein would help them to effectively deliver their professional responsibility to the people even during and after the poll.
