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| President of NUJ , Muhammed Garba, delivering a speech at the US Embassy/NUJ Workshop for Journalist. By his right is Spokesman of US Embassy; On his left the Chief Resource Person for the Workshop (Prof Gary Kebbel) |
The US Embassy and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) had Monday, 12th January, implored Nigerian journalists to promote issues that will inform better electoral process rather than inciting electorates to pre and post election violence in their reports.
This charge was made at the opening of a 5 day journalism Training Workshop tagged "Community Reporting for Building of Democratic Values in the Run-up to 2015 General Elections".
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Erstwhile, said as the 2015 elections "provides golden opportunity for Nigerians to choose the leaders" who will steer the affairs of their nation in the next 4 years, journalists have the role in "defining issues that voters want politicians to addres". Hence he emphasised the need for reporters to "promote accurate information for voters".
Mr Muhammed Garba , President of NUJ, who also spoke at the occasion advised journalists to be conscious of their roles in facilitating easy access to information that will inform citizens to make better decisions on who to vote for as their representatives.
The US Ambassador who addressed participants from his office electronically said; “The United states strongly supports a free, transparent, credible, inclusive and nonviolent electoral process. We continue to call upon all Nigerians to refrain from advocating, fomenting or condoning violence before, during or after the elections.
We urge all political parties and the government to ensure that all the registered voters are able to participate freely in a peaceful and transparent process.
"In order to create an environment where that can happen, Nigeria’s political leadership - an fall those who aspire to lead must refrain from engaging in inflammatory rhetoric or supporting act of intimidation.
But media play a vital role in creating that environment as well.
"In any country, covering an election is a great professional challenge for reporters. Journalists are expected to become experts who reports election rules 0 form how those rules govern the preparation of voters rolls to the tallying of final vote counts. Journalists in democracies have the vital task of reporting on the issue that voters ant politicians to address - and helping to hold elected official accountable for t heir campaign promises.
"Your readers, viewers, litterers and social media followers are counting on you to portray accurately and fairly the positions of the candidates and parties and to explain clearly the details of policy issues so that as voters they can go to the ballot box with accurate information to inform their choices.
"Good journalism, therefore, is fundamental to anele;citron process that protects the rights of all Nigerians to sue the ballot box to reflect they views and concerns of their communities - a process that helps produce a stable, democratic government, regardless of which candidate wins. Professional media are among the most powerful tools available to support a free, credible, inclusive and peaceful electoral process win which democratic principles are adhered to by all parties, candidates, and institutions. Your work carries a tremendous amount of responsibility, and the shape and outcome of the electoral process depend in very great measure on the good work you do.
"Nigeria’s friends and allies around the world also are deeply invested in helping to ensure that the 2015 elections are free, fair, peaceful and credible. Throughout the electoral process, international audiences also will rely on you for timely, accurate and insightful reporting that will reflect whether those goals are being met.
"In closing, let me reiterate that the United States stands with Nigeria as you continue on the democratic path. We do so as your friend and partner. You have many friends and partners who want Nigeria to succeed, and the United States stands at the front of that line.
Garba said the workshop jointly organised by the US Embassy and the NUJ is designed to "improve journalists's judgement in reporting elections".
He emphasised that "the role of the journalists within the system especially against the background of their professional responsibility cannot be overemphasised. It is in appreciation of this that there has been a universal agreement that journalists must be properly guide especially in the reportage of elections.
"However, because the pillars of the National Integrity system have been severally weakened by unprecedented corruption, the mass media must liberate self in order to be effective in promoting democratic values and culture. This reinforces the need for Workshop like this one today to enable journalists appreciate their roles in promoting and sustaining democracy.
"In order to properly advance this public interest, earn public trust and be credible watchdogs of the society, the pursuit of the truth and puck good must be the cornerstone of of journalism practice in Nigeria. This makes it obligatory for every journalists to maximally comply with the ethical principles and professional standards. It also makes it obligatory for every journalists to be entitled to decent wages, protection from attacks or hazards and conducive working conditions.
"He emphasised the imperatives of Journalists sticking to the fundamentals of ethical codes in discharging their duty as apolitical professionals especially during
the forthcoming elections", said President Muhammed Garba.
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