As the August 15 Osun governorship election draws near, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, has assured that the commission would offer full cooperation to media practitioners.
Mrs Babalola also assured that the August 15 governorship election in the state will be credible, free, inclusive, and transparent.
The Osun INEC REC gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) to the INEC State Office in Osogbo on Monday.
While restating that the media is a critical stakeholder in elections, INEC, and society, she said, “If there is no media, society cannot be informed. When it comes to election matters, there is misinformation and disinformation, and the media is needed to correct these anomalies.”
She also assured that she will work with the media community to ensure a credible, free, inclusive, transparent, and fair governorship election.
“I believe that your coming today is not just for coming. We will work with you. The way we have gone is beyond just getting unverified information. We need the media for voter education due to your wide coverage. The media also passes accurate information because of your access to INEC and ability to get the right information for us instead of relying on gossip.
“Also, you encourage issue-based campaigns from political parties because you also focus on politics, programmes, and development. You also give accurate reports on elections, and the people hear them.”
She maintained that the media is an advocate of peaceful coexistence and tolerance in society, adding that INEC will do its part in disseminating information to the media.
While warning that tampering with election results attracts a jail term with no option of fine, she urged media practitioners and their organisations to register for accreditation so as to operate without restrictions on election day.
Mrs Babalola also disclosed that security agencies have assured the commission of their full cooperation in protecting lives and property during the election period.
Earlier, the Chairman of OOPA, Abioye Lawrence, who welcomed the Osun INEC REC to the state, urged her to carry along media practitioners and deliver a credible election on August 15.