The International Press Centre (IPC), based in Lagos, Nigeria, has concluded plans to convene a Media Dialogue and Stakeholders’ Interface to address mechanisms for guaranteeing credible conduct of Edo State Governorship Election in September this year. 

A statement signed by the Communications Officer, Component 4 (Support to Media)
EUSDGN II Project, Olutoyin Ayoade, disclosed that the dialogue and interface are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the media is Fair, Accurate, Ethical, and Inclusive in its coverage of elections while other stakeholders also perform their role creditably.

“This initiative, slated for June 4 and 5, 2024, in Benin, Edo State, aligns with the goal of Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGNII) project funded by the European Union.

“The principal aim is to ensure that all relevant stakeholders fulfill their responsibilities diligently, so that the Edo governorship election can be devoid of violence, disinformation and misinformation with the people being able to freely make informed choices”, the statement stressed.

According the IPC, “the first day’s sessions will, among others, focus on identifying priority issues for Edo citizens in the elections, early warning indicators of possible violence, key points for civic/voter education and how the media can report fairly, inclusively and accurately.

“The discussions will also be framed within the EUOM recommendations aimed at enhancing media performance during elections, guaranteeing the integrity of information, and aligning with regulatory frameworks such as the Electoral Act, Nigeria Broadcasting Code, and Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage.

“On the second day, meetings will be held with key institutional stakeholders including the INEC Resident Commissioner for Edo State, the Edo State Police Command, the Civil Defence Corps, etc.

“The meetings will emphasise shared responsibilities and the cultivation of cooperative partnerships to protect journalists, promote peaceful elections, and enhance public understanding of voting and counting procedures.”

Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC, in a statement said: “We expect that this intervention will promote meaningful dialogues and strengthen commitment towards hitch-free Edo Governorship election.”

The IPC explained that the event is expected to attract about 50 stakeholders among who shall be male and female political reporters and other journalists from the Print, Broadcast and Online media who will be on duty during the governorship election.