The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society have partnered with the Ekiti State Police Command to protect journalists covering Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
The groups also urged journalists deployed for the election to remain professional, non-partisan and safety-conscious while carrying out their duties across the 16 local government areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, IPC Executive Director Lanre Arogundade said the advisory was necessary because of the important role journalists play during elections and the risks they may face in the course of their work.
“It is very important for journalists covering the Ekiti State election to be safety-conscious in the discharge of their duties and to avoid situations that will put them in harm’s way. Journalists are expected to be non-partisan.
Being partisan is not only about being a member of a political party but also includes the use of expressions and/or impressions with statements, tags, symbols and colours that portray or identify with a particular political party or personality,” Arogundade said.
He also advised journalists to ensure they are properly accredited and clearly identified while on election duty.
“Journalists who are to cover the elections should ensure that they are fully kitted and accredited to do so, in order to avoid a situation wherein security agencies would have to question them or bar them from performing their duties.
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“Journalists, who are not on election duty, should avoid straying into the identified polling units at will during the stipulated period of the election. At all times, journalists covering the elections must have their identification card and press/media tag clearly displayed to avoid undue harassment and unnecessary identity checks by the security agencies,” he added.
Arogundade said the IPC/CEMESO safety initiative would work with the Ekiti State Police Command during the election, allowing journalists facing threats, attacks or other violations to directly contact the Divisional Police Officer in their area.
He urged security agencies to recognise the media as a critical part of the electoral process and allow journalists to perform their duties without interference.
CEMESO Executive Director, Akin Akingbulu, added that the treatment of journalists during elections reflects a society’s commitment to democratic values.
“The deployment of journalists to cover the Ekiti gubernatorial election is not merely a professional exercise; it is an act of democratic service. When a journalist is harassed, barred, or attacked at a polling unit, it is not simply that individual who suffers — it is the electorate that is robbed of the witness it deserves,” he said.
Alex is a business journalist cum data enthusiast with the Pinnacle Daily. He can be reached via ealex@thepinnacleng.com, @ehime_alex on X