In a statement issued by Chairman Adeyemi Aboderin and Secretary Olalekan Akindoju, the union emphasized the need for political parties, security agencies, and election officials to ensure a secure environment for reporters.
The NUJ stressed that journalists must be free to perform their duties without facing intimidation, harassment, or obstruction. They urged media personnel to prioritize their safety and to avoid confrontations while on duty.
To assist in safeguarding journalists, the NUJ encouraged the use of the WaFlo WhatsApp-enabled live election incident reporting system, developed by the International Press Centre.
This AI-assisted platform enables journalists to report incidents such as threats, harassment, or equipment seizure in real time.
Journalists can connect to the Safe Media WhatsApp prompt by sending “safemedia” to the designated link or phone number provided. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of media personnel during the electoral process.
The union also called on security agencies to recognize the role of journalists as key players in democracy, urging them to provide adequate protection at polling units and collation centers.
They reiterated the importance of professionalism, impartiality, and accuracy in election reporting.
The NUJ's statement underscored the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to maintain peace and ensure that voters can exercise their rights freely.
By safeguarding journalists, the integrity of the electoral process can be upheld.
As the elections approach, the union continues to emphasize the critical role of journalists in informing the public while navigating potential dangers in a politically charged environment.
The call for safety measures reflects the growing concerns about the security of media workers in Nigeria during key political events.
In conclusion, the NUJ's proactive stance aims to foster a secure setting for journalists, enabling them to cover the elections effectively and without fear.
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