The International Press Centre (IPC) Lagos has advised journalists and other media practitioners to observe personal safety standards and professionalism while covering the Ondo governorship elections.

Lanre Arogundade, the executive director of IPC, gave the admonition in a statement on Friday.

The Ondo election will hold on Saturday.

Mr Arogundade said the caution became necessary due to the important role of the media during electioneering processes. He added that the warning was also due to growing concerns over journalists’ safety.

“Though this election is an off-cycle one, it does not reduce the fact that it still falls under the purview of media electoral responsibility. For the contestants and their gladiators, it is an election, which is by no means of less value than any other election.

“So, the atmosphere within the state where the election will take place will reflect basic and essential activities associated with the conduct of an election.

“It is, therefore, important for journalists covering the election to be guided by the existing ethics of professional coverage of elections as well as to be safety conscious in the discharge of their duties, especially to avoid situations that will put them in harm’s way,” he said.

Mr Arogundade said journalists were expected to be non-partisan by maintaining objectivity and balance in election coverage.

According to him, partisanship is not only about being a member of a political party but also includes using expressions and impressions with statements, tags, symbols, and colours that portray or identify with a particular political party or personality.

He urged journalists covering the election to be fully kitted and accredited to avoid situations where security agencies would question or bar them from performing their duties.

The IPC executive director also advised journalists not on election duty to avoid straying into polling units at will during the stipulated period of the election.

He also encouraged other stakeholders, especially the security agencies, to perform their tasks responsibly.

Mr Arodundade urged security agencies to accord journalists their due rights and privileges to enable them to carry out their social obligations as partners for credibility in the electoral process.

“The media should be seen as partners in progress and not as adversaries,” Mr Arogundade added. 

(NAN)