Local Government Election: Be Fair, Objective And Credible in Your Reportage – NUJ Delta Urges Members

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council has urged her members covering the March 6, 2021, Delta State Local Government Councils’ elections to as much as possible uphold the highest professional and ethical conducts while covering the election, adding that they must be fair, objective and credible in their reportage.

This message was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and the Secretary, Comrade Patrick Ochei respectively.

The statement also called on journalists to report the news and not become the news, insisting that they must put their safety first in all circumstances of the election.

Advising further, the Union’s leadership in the State, urged members to observe all Covid-19 protocols on the field, maintaining that on no account should they take their precautionary measures against the Coronavirus pandemic for granted.

However, the statement called on security agencies to cooperate with journalists in the field, advising that where they are in doubt of the identity of any journalist, they should call the leadership of NUJ in the state for clarification.

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The following names and lines were released for both the security personnel on duty and the general public to clear from the NUJ Situation Room in the event of any misunderstanding:
1. Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, Chairman (08033362580)
2. Comrade Patrick Ochei, Secretary (07030506047) and Comrade Felix Ekwu, Assistant Secretary (08037112265).

Moreover, the statement equally called on politicians to play by the rules and allow the true wishes of Deltans to count in the election.

According to parts of the statement, “We will ensure that our members report the true outcome of the election. It’s our firm belief that every development and good governance begins with a credible process of electioneering. Anything short of that can only set democracy back.

“And as a note of warning, any journalist reported to have been involved or engaged in unwholesome activity during the election,m must be investigated, tried and sanctioned if found culpable.

“We are also using this medium to call on DSIEC to objectively discharge its constitutional mandate as the umpire. Same goes to the security personnel who must against all odds, ensure a peaceful and successful process of election; they must not take side or intimidate anybody or political party in favour of another”, the leadership stated.