From Moshood Karim
As preparations intensify for the Edo State Governorship Election set for September 21, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) hosted a crucial forum for media executives on Thursday in Benin City.
The forum, aimed at fostering collaboration between the electoral body and the media, underscores INEC’s commitment to a transparent and credible election.
The event, held as part of strategic efforts to engage key media stakeholders, provided a platform for dialogue and the dissemination of vital information about the upcoming election.
Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State, welcomed participants through a speech delivered by the Administrative Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbodu.
He explained the importance of media collaboration, stating, “The essence of this meeting today is to interface with the media… This is to enable the Commission to carry out the communication that is needed by Nigerians.”
In his keynote address, Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, represented by Dr. Onuaha, highlighted the media’s pivotal role in shaping public perception and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
“As the fourth estate of the realm, the media is not just a conveyor of information but also a vital player in the democratic process, particularly during elections,” he said, stressing the importance of ethical journalism.
The forum also addressed the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), with a call to registered voters to collect their PVCs ahead of the election.
Olumekun announced that PVC collection commenced on August 22, 2024, across all 192 Wards in Edo State and will continue until September 8, 2024, transitioning to Local Government Area offices after August 26.
INEC showcased its technological advancements through a presentation on the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which is designed to enhance voter accreditation and prevent electoral fraud.
Engr. Akan Lawrence, Head of ICT/VR, assured the media that BVAS is robust and capable of transmitting election results even in remote areas without network coverage, thanks to its offline mode feature.
The legal framework guiding the election, particularly the Electoral Act 2022, was also discussed.
Barrister Amadi Rita explained the Act’s role in ensuring a free, fair, and credible election. Media executives were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Act to better report and analyze the electoral process.
The forum concluded with discussions on the online accreditation of media organizations, the role of social media, and the challenges posed by misinformation.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, who explained the role of INEC in electoral process, said: “INEC is leveraging on the global reach of social media to disseminate timely electoral information to its audience”, outlining the advantages of social media for disseminating accurate information while cautioning against the spread of fake news.
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