The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has assured that it will continue to sustain its collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, towards reducing electoral violence and vote buying.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, Wasiu Ajadosu gave the assurance while playing host to the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke who led other INEC management staff to the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo on Wednesday.
Dr. Mutiu Agboke, while describing the visit as routine and a way of consolidating the existing relationship between INEC and NUJ in Osun State disclosed that NUJ remained a very key stakeholder in educating the public on the success of any election.
“A robust relationship between INEC and NUJ will sustain our relationship with major stakeholders despite the fact that the state is two years away from another election.
“We also appeal to the NUJ to continue to educate and reorientate the electorates on the dangerous effect of engaging in electoral violence and vote buying. It is necessary in order to have a free, fair and transparent electoral process.”
Responding, Ajadosu, who recalled roles played by journalists in entrenching the present democracy said everything would continue to be done to nurture it.
“NUJ commended INEC on the introduction of technology into the electoral process with the advent of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS and Electronic Transmission of Election Results, iREV. This has changed people’s perception about whether their vote counts or not.
“INEC has gained more confidence of the electorates with it.”
While advocating for the prosecution of electoral offenders to serve as a deterrent to others, Ajadosu promised that the NUJ would collaborate with INEC in the area of advocacy and campaign against violence and vote buying.
