Editors Urge Politicians, Security Agencies To Avoid Intimidating Voters

Newspaper Editors across the country have called on politicians and security agencies to avoid intimidating electorates, but allow them to freely choose a candidate for democracy to strive in Nigeria.

The call was part of the nine point communique issued at the end of the 14th All Nigeria Editors Conference held in Asaba, Delta State.

Editors observed that elections in Nigeria were not built on truth and fairness, therefore urged politicians to do away with the prospect of winning at all cost in the forth coming general elections so as to avert electoral violence.

They blame the level of insecurity in the country noting that the nation deserves more than meaningless words and political slogan on issues of citizens comfort.

While Appreciating various political parties in the country for the maturity displayed during the party primaries but expressed displeasure at vote buying which they describe as a worrisome way of promoting corruption.

They urged the umpire , the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain independent in its practice by allowing citizens vote to count .

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The Editors also stressed on the need for Nigerian journalists to intensify efforts towards sustaining investigative, balance and analytical reportage as these were being threatened by the rise of the social media.

The conference challenged publishers and chief executive of media establishments to play down on the commoditisation of information to enhance objectivity.

The Guild expressed appreciation for the presence of Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo at this year’s conference and thanked the host, Governor Ifaenyi Okowa for the support given to the guild for a successful congress.

Story by Amofeyi Jeffrey, Nikoro Churchill, Odion Godswill, Edevwie Trinity, Ikorhi Minne