European Union Partner Journalists In Gombe on LG poll
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), in collaboration with Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission (GSIEC), on Wednesday, organised a one-day seminar for journalists in Gombe State with the theme ‘European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria.’
Speaking on Media Code of election coverage, Lanre Arogundade who was represented by Mr. Sanmi Falobi, said the major focus of the seminar, is to keep the sanctity of journalism and uphold democratic principles.
Arogundade stated that the parley is to ensure free, fair and ethical reportage of elections by journalists.
According to him, media is key to the December 19th local government elections in Gombe State, urging the media to sensitise the electorates on the need to come out enmass to vote for their preferred candidates.
Arogundade said, “It is the responsibility of the media (Political Editors, election reporters, correspondents etc), to report on how these institutions are fulfilling the expected obligations.”
Also speaking, Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Saidu Shehu Awak assured correspondents that they will experience a complete departure from the past elections, as every vote must count, adding that gone are the years where election was by selection.
He said, “past practice differs from the present, the commission has the desire to make every constituent’s vote to count.
“GSIEC deliberately sought for the assistance of European Commission to help improve the electoral process.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that what is learnt would be of great benefit in the conduct of Gombe State local government elections.”
On his part, Deputy Project Coordinator, European Centre for Electoral Support, Manji Wilson while delivering his presentation on State Independent Electoral Commissions and Election Management said there are 37 elections management bodies in Nigeria.
“36 states Independent Electoral Commissions SIECs and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), making it a total of 37election bodies.”
“As long as certain provisions of the constitution are not checked independence of electoral bodies may not be attained,” he said.
