ISIEC Partners Imo NUJ For Optimum Delivery of Free, Fair, Credible Imo LGA Elections

By ThankGod Emeh…

In a bid to deliver on credible election expectations of Imo people, the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC; the body charged with the mandate of conducting and overseeing local government council elections in the state has entered into a partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Imo state Council to offer their quota in timely information dissemination.

The leadership of Imo NUJ agreed to the partnership when ISIEC management team paid a courtesy visit to the Council on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Imo NUJ Secretariat.

Addressing the leadership of Imo NUJ, the ISIEC Chairman, Hon. Chief Charles Ejiogu noted that the significance and place of journalists and journalism in the development of society especially in the reshaping and remoulding of opinion cannot be overemphasized hence the need to partner with them as partners in progress to move the state forward.

Chief Ejiogu further stressed that the agenda setting practice of journalists in society before, during and after electioneering puts the electorate in the know of the activities of the Commission and as well prepares them to make informed decisions of who to vote in, the winner as well as the process while describing the role of journalists as profound.

“The 4th estate through its statutory role deals extensively in educating, informing and enlightening the general public of our programmes and guidelines”

The ISIEC Headman added that the Commission will not function in vacuum without the media hence the need for more interaction with journalists in line with their duty to conduct a free, fair and credible local government elections.

“We have come to assure NUJ Executives that we are ready to deliver on the expectations of the commission”

Leadership Imo NUJ and ISIEC

“ISIEC is rightly putting in place all the machinery to conduct a credible local government elections in Imo state”

He however assured Imo NUJ of allowing equal playing grounds for the 17 political parties and their candidates to participating in the process.

“The commission wishes to assure you also that there will be an equal playing ground to all parties and their candidates because we are determined to get it right”

“We are soliciting your understanding and want to partner with you so that all hands will be on deck to serve the Imolites”

The ISIEC Boss equally informed the leadership of their resolve to work with IPAC to accommodate all constructive input for optimum delivery of the electoral mandate to Imo people.

Speaking at the occasion, the Imo NUJ Boss, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma commended the ISIEC Chairman Chief Ejiogu for rebranding the image and perception of Imo people about the commission of being a government tool for victimization and all worth not.

Comrade Nwanguma urged the ISIEC Boss to incorporate Imo journalists in the affairs of the commission to show a sense belonging as stakeholders for a better society and to ensure timely reportage.

L-R: ISIEC Boss, Hon. Ejiogu and Imo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nwanguma

He equally assured the commission of the Council’s support in logistics and inclusive media reportage.

“NUJ is going to assist in the logistics in conducting the elections

Adding his voice, the Vice Chairman, Comrade Emma Odibo expressed confidence in the capacity of Hon. Ejiogu , while urging him not to relent in his visions for the commission.

Comrade Odibo charged him to duly engage qualified journalists vis-a-vis confirmation from NUJ and assured him of the leadership’s assistance as ‘family member” of the Union.

Speaking also, the immediate Past Chairman of Imo NUJ, Chief Christopher Akaraonye thanked the ISIEC Boss, Hon. Ejiogu for recognizing Imo NUJ as partners in progress and finding time to consult and partner with the Council.

Akaraonye noted that Imo NUJ is happy not only to partner with him and the Commission but to welcome him on board as an astute media professional, stating that the council will do justice to their programmes.

The ISIEC team however commended the leadership of Imo NUJ for the warm reception, partnership statements and assurances to support the work of the commission and prayed for sustainability.

The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of recognition and partnership plag presented to the ISIEC Boss, Hon. Chief Ejiogu.