By Ikenwa Charity
Ahead of the Anambra governorship election slated for 6th November, 2021. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has cautioned the political parties to shun propaganda and stop heating the polity
Speaking at the one day forum organised by the INEC Press Corps in Abuja, the National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who was represented by Bar. Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and C hairman Voter Education and Information Committee made the charge.
He said INEC as an electoral umpire has been performing its duties by watching political parties closely ahead of the Anambra governorship election and that, political parties should desist from their propaganda which is capable of misinforming and misleading the people.
On the speculation that the electoral materials meant for the Anambra governorship election is been kept in another state where the Governor has interests in Anambra election, he said the Commission keeps non-sensitive materials in its zonal stores across the geo-political zones across the country and that it will never do anything to jeopardize its own constitutional duties.
“WE regulate political parties and political parties will not be allowed to regulate us. The media has the role to let the political parties know that they should focus their political campaign and address issues, rather than raise unnecessary propaganda,” Okoye said.
He urged all critical stakeholders to douse tension and ensure Anambra election is a success.
“Our democracy is not perfect, democracy is a work in progress and this Commission is ready to learn from its past mistakes and ensure perfection in subsequent and future elections,” he added.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, who was represented by CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, maintained that the Anambra election is not going to be an exception, as the police will deploy all its resources to ensure it safeguard the smooth conduct of the election, as well as protect the lives and properties of the people.
He urged the media to sensitize the public more on the Anambra governorship election and that the Police as a lead security agency in the country is more prepared to protect INEC materials, staff, facilities and the electorate before, during and after the Anambra governorship election.
On the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on the election day, the IGP maintained that Nigeria is a sovereign state and that no individual has the right declare a sit-at-home order and that the Police has done the needful and well prepared for the Anambra election.
The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, in his own speech commended the INEC Press Corps for its complementing role in deepening the country’s democracy, while he urged the media to work within its rank and sanitize the industry from the purveyors of fake news.
He said journalism is not for everybody, as people now wake up and jump into journalism.
“Citizen Journalism is bastardizing the profession and something should be done in earnest to nip it in the bud,” he said.
End.
