Opening remarks by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and voter education Committee (IVEC) Mr Sam Olumekun delivered by Hon. REC Ondo State Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola
The Resident Electoral Commissioner,
The Administrative Secretary,
Distinguished Reporters, Producers, and On-Air Personalities.
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| Opening remarks by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and voter education Committee (IVEC) Mr Sam Olumekun delivered by Hon. REC Ondo State Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola. Photo: @inecnigeria |
It affords me a great pleasure to be here today to engage with such a distinguished group of personalities in Ondo State. Your role as the Fourth Estate in shaping public opinion and disseminating information is invaluable. Beyond mere reporting you serve as a vital bridge between the electorate and the electoral process. I also seek your support in ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, credible and all-inclusive election that meets the aspirations of the good people of Ondo State as we gradually approach the upcoming off-cycle governorship election on 16th November 2024.
Ongoing Collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)
As part of our preparations for the election, INEC commenced the issuance of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ondo State from Thursday, 17th to 21st October 2024 in all the Two Hundred and Three (203) Wards across the State. Tomorrow, 23rd October 2024, the cards will be available for collection in our Eighteen (18) Local Government Area Offices in the State untill 29th October 2024. The centres will be open to citizens from 9:00am – 5:00pm daily including the weekends. It is important to note that collection by proxy is not allowed and only those with PVCs will be eligible to exercise their franchise on election day.
I appeal to you, as influential voices in the media, to assist us in mobilising citizens to seize this crucial opportunity by raising awareness about the ongoing collection, encouraging registered voters to collect their cards and emphasizing the importance of active participation in the electoral process. Your platforms have a broad reach, and your voices have the power to inspire action among the public.
• Guarding Against Fake News and Ensuring Professionalism
As the election draws near, the threat of fake news remains a significant concern. Misinformation has the potential to incite unnecessary tension and violence and it is vital that we collaborate to prevent this. I urge you to exercise caution and be diligent in verifying any information before disseminating it, particularly when it pertains to the Commission’s activities and the electoral process. By upholding the highest standards of professionalism, you can play a key role in curbing the spread of fake news and ensuring that the public receives accurate and credible information.
Expectations from the Media Before, During, and After the Election
The media plays a pivotal role at every stage of the electoral process. In the lead-up to the election, we count on you to help educate the public on the importance of peaceful participation. Additionally, it is crucial that you offer balanced coverage of all political parties and candidates ensuring that your reports remain objective and free from bias.
During the election, your coverage must be both factual and responsible. While we encourage you to report incidents as they happen, it is essential that this is done in a manner that does not escalate tensions or incite violence. Your presence at polling units for coverage will also be crucial in assuring the public of the transparency and integrity of the process.
After the election, we will rely on you to report the results and other developments with accuracy and integrity. As the election outcome will reflect the will of the people, your coverage should foster peace and encourage acceptance of the results in accordance with democratic principles.
• Assurance of Security During the Election
Let me assure you that INEC, in collaboration with security agencies has made adequate arrangements to ensure the safety of all participants in the election, including members of the media. Security personnel will be deployed to all polling units,
collation centres and other strategic locations across the state. The safety of the media and all electoral stakeholders is our top priority and we are fully committed to delivering a peaceful and secure election.
• Cooperation Towards a Credible Election
As we approach the election, I seek your continued cooperation in helping us conduct a credible election that meets the expectations of the people of Ondo State. We are dedicated to providing a level playing field for all candidates and ensuring that every vote is counts. By working together, we can build public trust in the electoral process and strengthen democracy in both our state and our country.
In conclusion, I thank you for your commitment to informing and educating the public. Your support in mobilizing citizens for the collection of PVCs, combating fake news, and promoting peace during this election is invaluable. Let us all work together to make the November 16 governorship election a success.
In conclusion, I thank you for your unwavering commitment to informing and educating the public. Your support in mobilizing citizens for collection of PVCs, combating fake news and promoting peace throughout this election process is invaluable. Let us continue working together to ensure the success of the governorship election in Ondo State.
With these remarks, I hereby declare this forum open.
Thank you and God Bless.
Opening remarks by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and voter education Committee (IVEC) Mr Sam Olumekun delivered by Hon. REC Ondo State Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola
The Resident Electoral Commissioner,
The Administrative Secretary,
Distinguished Reporters,… pic.twitter.com/h97wT5NhUm— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) October 22, 2024
