The Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has called for maximum protection for journalists and observers assigned for the coverage of the state’s local government elections on Saturday.

The Council’s Chairman, Abdullateef Ahmed, in a statement on Friday in Ilorin by the Council Secretary, Olayinka Alaya, emphasised the need for safety for the journalists and observers.

He said this was necessary in view of the critical role journalists play in ensuring transparent and fair polls.

Mr Ahmed stated, “The council urges security personnel deployed for the elections to ensure that journalists across the 16 local government areas of the state carry out their duties without fear of harassment or intimidation. The NUJ also cautions that any form of harassment or intimidation of journalists while performing their constitutionally-guaranteed duties will not be tolerated. As the watchdog of society, members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm must be accorded their due rights and respect before, during and after the electoral process. Any attack on journalists is an attack on democracy itself.’’

The Kwara Council of NUJ also stressed the need for security agencies to ensure watertight security throughout the period allotted for the electoral process.

”We urge security personnel to be proactive in addressing potential threats that may compromise the integrity of the elections or put media professionals at risk,” Mr Ahmed said.

He also called on the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission to maintain an unbiased position throughout the entire process.

Mr Ahmed appealed to the electoral umpire to ensure timely distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials to polling units.

The council chairman also encouraged eligible voters across the state to exercise their voting rights responsibly, urging them to remain calm and law-abiding during the process.

“This exercise is an opportunity for the people of Kwara to shape the future of their LGAs. It is fundamental that eligible voters come out and utilise their franchise and do so without any fear,” he advised.

(NAN)