The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, has called on political parties, security agencies, election officials and other stakeholders to ensure the safety of journalists covering Saturday’s governorship election.
The council made the call in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, and Secretary, Comrade Olalekan Akindoju.
The NUJ stressed that journalists must be allowed to carry out their constitutional duty of informing the public without intimidation, harassment, assault, arrest or obstruction.
It urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to respect press freedom and allow journalists to move freely while covering the election across the state.
The council also advised journalists to prioritise their safety, avoid unnecessary confrontations and exercise caution, especially in volatile areas.
Journalists were further encouraged to promptly document and report any incident that threatens their safety or prevents them from performing their duties.
The NUJ said journalists covering the election could use the WAFLO WhatsApp-enabled live election incident reporting system deployed by the International Press Centre (IPC).
The AI-assisted platform is designed to support real-time reporting, documentation and monitoring of incidents affecting journalists and press freedom during the election.
The council urged journalists to use the platform responsibly by reporting threats, harassment, attacks, detention, equipment seizure, denial of access and other forms of interference.
The NUJ also called on security agencies to recognise journalists as important participants in the democratic process and provide adequate protection at polling units, collation centres and other election locations.
It urged journalists to maintain professionalism, impartiality and accuracy throughout the election.
As Osun voters head to the polls, the NUJ called on all stakeholders to protect the peace and create an environment where citizens can freely vote and journalists can safely report the electoral process.
