·INEC, Police assure of credible poll·Task media on factual, impartial reportage·Say misinformation incites unnecessary tension, violence
AHEAD of next month's Governorship Election in Ondo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday, said that no fewer than 55, 859 eligible voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards PVCs in five days across the 203 wards of the state.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun disclosed this in a statement as the commission and the Police cautioned the media against fake news and impartial reportage while promising a credible and peaceful poll on November 16.
According to Olumekun, the collection will resume in the commission's 18 LGA offices in Ondo State from Wednesday, October 23 to 29 from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily, including the weekend.
He said between October 17 and 21, the Commission made PVCs from the last Continuous Voter Registration CVR, in Ondo State available for collection in all the 203 wards.
He continued: "The Commission is pleased to announce that at the end of the five days, 55,859 cards were personally collected by new registrants as well as applicants for transfer and replacement of lost or damaged cards as provided by law. This figure represents 62.2% of the 89,777 cards available for collection.
"This is the highest percentage of PVCs collected in five days in Ondo State since the Commission introduced the CVR in 2015.
"A detailed breakdown of the collection by Local Government Areas LGAs has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.
"Meanwhile, the collection will resume in our 18 LGA offices in Ondo State from tomorrow Wednesday 23rd to Tuesday 29th October 2024 from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily (including the weekend).
"We appeal to the remaining voters to pick up their PVCs in person from our LGA offices. The Commission reiterates its policy that no cards will be collected by proxy."
Factual reporting
Meanwhile, Olumekun has cautioned the media against fake news noting that misinformation has the potential to incite unnecessary tension and violence.
Speaking through the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, during a forum for reporters, producers, and on-air personalities facilitated by the Commission, Olumekun, said that the media is essential to democracy and a democratic election is impossible without the media.
"I urge you to exercise caution and be diligent in verifying any information before disseminating it, particularly when it pertains to the Commission's activities and the electoral process.
"By upholding the highest standards of professionalism, you can play a key role in curbing the spread of fake news and ensuring that the public receives accurate and credible information.
"The media plays a pivotal role at every stage of the electoral process. In the lead-up to the election, we count on you to help educate the public on the importance of peaceful participation.
" Additionally, it is crucial that you offer balanced coverage of all political parties and candidates, ensuring that your reports remain objective and free from bias."
"During the election, your coverage must be both factual and responsible. While we encourage you to report incidents as they happen, it is essential that this is done in a manner that does not escalate tensions or incite violence.
" Your presence at polling units for coverage will also be crucial in assuring the public of the transparency and integrity of the process.
"After the election, we will rely on you to report the results and other developments with accuracy and integrity.
"As the election outcome will reflect the will of the people, your coverage should foster peace and encourage acceptance of the results in accordance with democratic principles."
"INEC, in collaboration with security agencies, has made adequate arrangements to ensure the safety of all participants in the election, including members of the media.
"Security personnel will be deployed to all polling units, collation centres, and other strategic locations across the state.
"The safety of the media and all electoral stakeholders is our top priority, and we are fully committed to delivering a peaceful and secure election."
Also, speaking , the state Administrative Secretary of the commission Mr. Biodun Amosun, said the workshop was designed to equip journalists with comprehensive information on the guidelines, processes, and procedures that will govern the upcoming election.
Police warn fake news purveyors, assure of peaceful poll
In like manner, the Police in Ondo State have warned fake news purveyors and other mischief makers ahead of the November 16 governorship election in the state, saying that fake news could cause a breakdown of law and order.
A statement by the Spokesperson for the Ondo Police Command, Funmi Odunlami, emphasised the importance of verifying information before sharing or reposting as constructive engagement is essential for fostering a peaceful environment during this pivotal time in the history of the state.
Odunlami said the police had observed two trending old videos and misleading content being shared with intent to incite unrest and violence.
She explained that one of the videos depicting flooding in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, was "irresponsibly circulated".
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The police image maker added that the action also threatened the integrity of democracy and could deprive the political parties of a level-playing field in the forthcoming election.
Odunlami said that "such actions are not only misleading but also pose significant risks, especially during this crucial electoral period as the spread of misinformation can undermine public trust, incite violence, jeopardise public safety, and threaten the integrity of our democracy-ultimately depriving the people of a level playing field for the exercise of their civic rights and responsibilities.
"In a similar event, a story alleging the amputation of fingers from a corpse at a mortuary in Ajowa-Akoko was found to be false, as confirmed by the divisional police officer who visited the morgue," the police said.
She urged the electorate to remain critical of the information they encounter and distance themselves from those who seek to exploit the current situation for personal gain.
Odunlami assured the citizens of the force's readiness, in collaboration with sister security and safety agencies, to ensure free, fair, and safe election.
According to her " the command will not stand idly by while agents of calumny operate. The police would not hesitate to respond appropriately and within the law to threats to the peace of the election."
