The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, says there is need to combat the growing threats to journalists in reporting democratic development and elections, as well as the erasing tide of fake news.
In a statement on Friday, Lanre Arogundade, IPC director, noted that the role of the media in reporting the actions and activities of stakeholders in the electoral process remains crucial.
Arogundade described as “worrisome the way journalists have become targets of repression” and assault of anti-democracy forces which tramps on the rights of journalists.
“In the face of emerging realities, media channels especially online platforms have become susceptible channels for the dissemination of disinformation in reporting elections as witnessed in the building up to the 2019 general elections, which is a dangerous trend that ethical and professional journalistic report must address,” Arogundade said.
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“Respect for truth and for the right of the public to truth is the first duty of journalists, and this must be upheld at all times, especially when it comes to reporting democratic governance.
“The International Press Centre (IPC) through its 2019 Media and Elections situation room found it worrisome that there was an increase in the attacks on journalists during the Governorship and State Assembly elections in disregard to the rights of journalists to monitor and report election activities as guaranteed by various regulatory frameworks such as the Electoral Act, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage.
“These acts are inimical to an enabling operational environment for journalism.”
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He urged institutional stakeholders to use the year’s world press freedom day as an opportunity to address all infractions inimical to freedom of expression and free press.
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