NUJ To Media Professionals: Report Only Results Declared By Official Electoral Umpire During Delta Council Polls

By Daniel Dafe

As the Local Government Councils’ elections approach on July 13, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has reiterated the critical role that journalists play in ensuring a transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday signed by Comrade Churchill Oyowe, Chairman, NUJ Delta Council and Comrade Victor Sorokwu, Secretary, NUJ Delta Council.

According to the statement, “journalists serve as the vital link between the electoral process and the public, providing essential information and education to the electorate.”

The Council thus called on journalists in the state to monitor the electoral process objectively, while urging all media professionals to report only the results declared by the official electoral umpire.

“It is crucial to maintain the integrity of the information disseminated to avoid creating unnecessary chaos or confusion among the public,” the Union said.

Furthermore, Delta NUJ said journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without any form of restriction, intimidation, or harassment, while calling on the electoral umpire, the police, and other security agencies to respect and uphold the rights of journalists during the forthcoming Councils’ poll.

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Meanwhile, Delta NUJ urged all journalists to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct, saying “this includes verifying information before dissemination, avoiding sensationalism, and ensuring balanced and fair reporting.”

“Journalists should also keep their personal observations private to maintain objectivity and neutrality,” the statement said

While Delt NUJ advocated for the unrestricted operation of journalists, the Council also recognized the importance of collaboration with security agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for the electoral process.

“We encourage open communication and cooperation between journalists and security personnel to facilitate a smooth and peaceful election,” the statement said.

“The NUJ Delta State Council remains committed to supporting its members in carrying out their duties effectively and safely. We call on all stakeholders to work together to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election on July 13.

“Together, we can uphold the principles of democracy and contribute to the development of our great state,” the statement concluded.