The NUJ president said the protection would enable journalists to go around to report elections and expose activities that pose a threat to the electoral process.
INEC had earlier announced December 12, 2022, to January 22, 2023, for the collection of PVCs ahead of the 2023 general election.
The suit was dismissed for being statute-barred, having not been commenced within the mandatory 14 days provided for under the 1999 Constitution.
INEC has fixed December 12, 2022, till January 22, 2023, as the dates for PVC collection in all its 774 LG offices nationwide.
The exercise in Benin was characterised by complaints of slow process and unavailability of some voters’ cards.
The INEC chief said the commission will not allow anyone to vote during the 2023 general elections without presenting his/her PVCs at polling centres.
He explained that the Electoral Act 2022 has made clear and explicit provisions for the conduct of elections in emergency situations.
INEC offices in many states and in almost all the geopolitical zones of the country have come under attacks recently.
Mr Okoye said that three out of seven construction workers were abducted but later released.
The peace accord is designed to facilitate peaceful conduct of the 2023 elections devoid of thuggery, hate speech, fake news and violence.
