OSUN NUJ TO COLLABORATE WITH INEC TO REDUCE ELECTORAL VIOLENCE, VOTE BUYING
The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ has declared that it will continue to sustain its collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC towards reducing electoral violence and vote buying.
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu gave the assurance while playing host to the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, who led other management staff of the electoral commission to the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo.
Dr. Mutiu Agboke, who described the visit as routine and ways of consolidating on the existing relationship between INEC and NUJ in Osun State disclosed that NUJ remained a key stakeholder in educating the public on the success of any election.
Agboke, called for robust relationship between the two agencies, adding that INEC will sustain its relationship with major stakeholders despite the fact that the state is two years away from another election.
He appealed to the NUJ to continue to educate and re-orientate the electorates on the dangerous effect of engaging in electoral violence and vote buying in order to have a free, fair and transparent electoral process.
Responding, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, who recalled roles played by journalists in entrenching the present democracy said the coverage of elections would continue, and be nurtured.
He commended INEC on the introduction of technology into the electoral process with the advent of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS and Electronic Transmission of Election Results iREV, which has changed people’s perception about whether their vote counts or not, and he added that INEC has gained more confidence of the electorates with it.
While advocating for prosecution of electoral offenders to serve as deterrent to others, the Chairman promised the cooperation of NUJ in the area of advocacy and campaign against violence and vote buying.
Dr. Mutiu Agboke was accompanied on the visit by top management staff of INEC in Osun State.