NUJ, Ex-Imo NUJ Boss- Igwe Calls for Vigilance on 2019 Elections

As the 2019 General Elections commence, a National Trustee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Chief Sir Innocent lgwe has called on journalists particularly those assigned the onerous responsibility of Coverage and Reportage of the 2019 General Elections to see the exercise as a National Assignment that should be approached with extreme caution, vigilance, patriotism and professionalism.

Sir Igwe stated this in a press release issued to news men recently in Owerri, the Imo state capital.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Press and the Electorate for having scaled through different levels of preparations and developed the needed capacities in virtually all the relevant sectors adding that there is no doubt that the country is set for this critical political and democratic exercise.

“From all indications, Nigerians have shown profound interest in the 20l9 General Elections more than ever and are elaborately committed to making it a huge success in the long run”, Sir Igwe said.

According to him, “The press is challenged by the entire processes as the Fourth Estate of the Realm and we are glad that the media have so far remained resolute, robust and professional in the coverage and reportage of all the electoral and civic activities as part of needed contributions to the sustenance of Nigeria’s Democracy. We are therefore confident that the press  will again shoulder this election duty with utmost professional dexterity as they go into the field and in doing this, we stress the need for all media personnel to be  security conscious and properly evaluate their individual safety before visiting any location as well as contact and update the NUJ leadership in case of any emergency via the Whatsapp platforms.”

READ ALSO: Orlu Senate: Jones Onyereri & the Penultimate Need, Urgency to shut out Expired Politicians

The former Imo NUJ boss who disclosed that adequate arrangements have been made by the Union to monitor the Elections and also supervise joumalists who would be in the field called on media establishments to equip their personnel adequately for the assignment while commending the security Agencies for the major role they have continued to play in Nigeria‘s electoral process.

“We call on them to give full security protection to the journalists as they cover the elections in line with their social responsibility and constitutional mandate.”

“The success of the 20|9 General Elections is a collective responsibility, consequently we assure INEC of the total support of Nigerians and enjoin the commission to do the right things expected of an umpire to deliver a free, fair and credible Elections”, he concluded.