INEC Workshop for Broadcast Journalists Yields Positive Outcomes

INEC Workshop for Broadcast Journalists Yields Positive Outcomes

Designed and conceptualised as a knowledge-sharing and idea-exchange event for broadcast journalists, especially political editors and programme anchors, the two-day seminar organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) gave more than the participants envisaged. It was a no-holds-barred event, with the electoral management body explaining challenges and constraints often misinterpreted as INEC shortcomings to

Designed and conceptualised as a knowledge-sharing and idea-exchange event for broadcast journalists, especially political editors and programme anchors, the two-day seminar organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) gave more than the participants envisaged.

It was a no-holds-barred event, with the electoral management body explaining challenges and constraints often misinterpreted as INEC shortcomings to the highly knowledgeable audience. The two-day interactive workshop for broadcast media anchors was supported by funding from the European Union and its implementing partners DAI, the International Press Centre, and the Centre for Media and Society.

It was an opportunity for INEC to unravel issues hitherto masked in misinformation concerning BVAS and IReV and electronic devices for elections; why most of the cases in court on electoral matters were on pre-election, party primaries, and false information or forgery of information by candidates. More light was shed on sensational cases like those of double nominations involving Vice President Kashim Shettima and Senator Ahmed Lawan. Fresh insights were given, and participants understood the other perspectives on the issues. It was a one-stop supermarket approach to addressing the issues.

Setting the ball rolling, the Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission Prf Mahmood Yakubu, represented by his National Commissioner on Information and Voter Education, Mr. Sam Olumekun said the workshop aims at bridging the gap between INEC responsibilities and public expectations. He professed that the public should be able to separate the roles of security personnel and election ad-hoc personnel, State Independent Electoral Commissions from core INEC responsibilities. The workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to accurately and effectively report and comment on electoral matters.

Mr Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner Information and Voter Education

“INEC is tasked with a fundamental responsibility: to conduct free, fair, credible, and transparent elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. Our mission is not just to uphold the sanctity of the ballot box, but also to continuously improve the electoral process to meet the dynamic needs and expectations of the public.

“However, we are keenly aware that our efforts are increasingly challenged by the pervasive spread of fake news and disinformation, which distort facts, mislead the public, and can undermine electoral integrity.” The event with the theme “Contextualising INEC’s Responsibilities and Public Expectations Amid Fake News as Disinformation” brought together television and radio anchors nationwide.

He listed other things affecting INEC’s operations including logistical hurdles, security concerns, violence, and electoral malpractices, among others.

Specifically on the role of broadcast media in enhancing electoral integrity, Yakubu said that their reportage could shape public perception, influence voters’ behaviour, and impact the outcome of elections. “The media must go beyond mere information dissemination to serve as fact-checkers and educators,” he said.

“The spread of false information poses a significant threat to our electoral process, often creating confusion, inciting unrest, or discrediting legitimate outcomes. Fake news and disinformation are not merely a nuisance; they are deliberate attempts to mislead the public, manipulate electoral outcomes, and erode trust in the institutions.

Mr Rudolf Ebling, DAI Representative

The representative of DAI, Mr Rudolf Ebling in his opening remark noted his organisation’s delight to have supported INEC in convening a high-level, two-day interactive workshop for broadcast media anchors in Lagos, Nigeria. The workshop is focused on fortifying media partnerships to combat disinformation and uphold transparency in the electoral process. The event he said would facilitate strategic dialogue among leading media professionals on the essential role of accurate information in sustaining public trust in democratic elections.

Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, CPS to INEC Chairman

Speaking on the aims and objectives of the workshop, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi stressed the importance of enhancing public understanding of electoral laws to prevent misconceptions about INEC’s role, especially in relation to the conduct of elections. Mr. Oyekanmi pointed out that misinformation can foster misplaced expectations and biased opinions, which may jeopardize the electoral process.

Participants were encouraged to engage in interactive sessions, where they could ask questions and offer recommendations for improving the electoral system.

For the event, INEC lined up all its key personnel handling different functions in its operations. They were all fully prepared to answer all questions except those that required legislation amendments or new laws to bring into force. Expectedly, the presenters with the highest number of questions and comments were the Director of Information Communication and Technology as well as the Director of Legal Services.

On ICT
The INEC Director of ICT, Dr Lawrence Bayode traced the evolution of technology in the electoral process. He said the Commission keeps improving with every election circle and that the country has gradually inched towards a situation where it could deploy electronic voting in our elections shortly. He urged Nigerians to see the glass as half-filled rather than half-empty. He said the BVAS has performed creditably and recorded 98 percent success in the recent Edo governorship election.

Dr Lawrence Bayode, Director ICT INEC

On the issue of the IReV, Dr Bayode emphasised that the portal is not a collation centre for election results but a result viewing portal that could be deployed by whosoever for their purpose. It is misinformation to refer to the IReV as a collation. He explained the glitch that occurred in the 2023 presidential elections as a failure of technology but gave assurances that such will never occur again. He likened the glitch to what Nigerians are experiencing with some banks in Nigeria today as they switch to new platforms.

He advised Nigerians to keep their voter cards well and bring them out during elections. He said they were designed for use once or twice in every four years and not for everyday use as being experienced.

On Legal Matters
Mr Tanimu Mohammed Inuwa (SAN)

The Director Litigation and Prosecution Mr. Tanimu Mohammed Inuwa (SAN) said that the Electoral environment keeps improving with every election circle. He acknowledged improvements made through the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022. He said there are outstanding challenges which the Commission expects the National Assembly to conclude on. One of these is the establishment of the Electoral Offences Tribunal, another would be the issue of early voting for personnel on electoral duties and for those in the diaspora.

He said the spirit and operations of the Electoral Act don’t expect full compliance but substantial compliance. He said the issue of vote buying is an electoral offence but most times it doesn’t happen at the polling venue. He said nothing stops the other security agencies from carrying out the offenders through intelligence. “Arrests don’t have to be made only at the of election or around it”

He said the Commission is working on the audited accounts of the political parties which it has done up to 2022 and the findings passed to the National Assembly. INEC has looked into their accounts and has raised queries where necessary and passed its findings to the parliament. Some of the participants opined that the amounts fixed in the Electoral Act for different categories of candidates would appear grossly inadequate.

presenting a paper on undertanding the Media Code of Election Coverage, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Directo, International Press Centre, (IPC) analysed the Code and made useful recommendations on its application to the journalist’s work. He listed the importance of the Code to include a tool to hold the media accountable to its professional and ethical responsibilities during the electoral process and elections and to assert their editorial independence and uphold professional and ethical ideals in the coverage of the electoral process and elections.

Aside the content of the Code, Mr Arogundade recommended a comprehensive understanding of the Code to
all Anchors and journalists who advising them that it is essential for ensuring responsible and ethical reporting during the electoral process. He recommended the creation of dedicated fact-checking units within media organizations to facilitate real-time verification of information during political programmes, such as debates and interviews. This will uphold the integrity of reporting in line with the Code.

Also, broadcast programmes anchors should advocate for their news organizations to develop and implement robust anti-hate speech policies, adhering to the principles outlined in the Code. This is crucial for fostering a respectful and inclusive media environment. Develop and maintain crisis communication plans to address misinformation or instances of hate speech during the electoral period. Preparedness will ensure that media organizations can respond effectively to protect public trust and uphold the standards of the Code.

From the questions and answers, banters and jokes while the discussions lasted, it became obvious that the workshop had been worth the time. More than 50 broadcast journalists attended the workshop with representation from every geopolitical zone in the country. Some of the participants who expressed their satisfaction looked forward to more exciting moments the next day.

Ayo Aluko-Olokun
ADMINISTRATOR
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