Anambra Guber Race: NUJ Charges Stakeholders On Free, Fair Polls

BEING A COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY AN EMERGENCY CONGRESS OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ), ANAMBRA STATE COUNCIL HELD AT THE GODWIN EZEEMO INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE, AWKA ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 2017.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, held an emergency congress on Thursday November 16 2017 during which she deliberated on developments and issues related to the gubernatorial election coming up in the state on Saturday November 18, 2017 and thereupon issued the following communiqué:

1. That the Council views with concern the unusually heavy presence of security operatives in the State in the build-up to the elections, noting that such could lead to unnecessary tension and may jeopardize peaceful conduct of the poll and possibly dissuade voters from coming out to exercise their franchise.

2. That the Council condemns the reported withdrawal of the security aides of the governor of the State on the orders of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and their subsequent reinstatement as this could cast doubt on the neutrality of the police in the electoral process.

3. That the Council commends the political parties and their candidates for their peaceful disposition so far in the course of the electioneering as against what has been witnessed in some other States in recent time while urging them to continue in like manner and shun all unlawful acts that could jeopardize the peace and transparency of the electoral process.

4. That the Council calls on journalists to observe the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in covering the election and as well avoid taking unnecessary risks that could put their personal safety in danger while on duty.

5. That the Council calls on INEC to maintain neutrality, giving all parties and candidates a level playing ground so as to ensure that the will of the people prevails.

6. That the Council calls on Security Agencies to maintain restraint in going about their duties and desist from unnecessary harassment of members of the public and also ensure that they do not obstruct or harass members of the press going about their legitimate assignment.

7. That the Council calls on the Anambra electorate to come out and cast their votes and to ignore any call from any quarters to boycott the elections as to do so will not be in their best interest.

Signed
Sir Emma Ifesinachi, KSJI, JP
Chairman

Comrade Emma Udeagha
Secretary