INEC to accredit journalists online for Edo, Ondo polls

National Commissioner and Chairman, Voters Education and Publicity, Festus Okoye, disclosed this on Wednesday, during a virtual meeting with the media.

Reading out modalities for the exercise, he said INEC will screen the names and particulars of each media organisation to ensure that they comply with the requirements for accreditation.

He said accredited journalists will be provided with materials which include items such as identification tags, branded aaist coats and information kits.

However, he admonished accredited journalists to observe all health protocols issued by the commission, the health authorities and the various state governments.

Okoye said the deployment of technology in the coverage of coming elections is part of the commission’s determination to lead the process of innovation and creativity in the electoral process, rather than throw in the towel and postpone all elections to an indeterminate period.

“Throwing in the towel in our constitutional circumstances may do violence to the constitution and wittingly or unwittingly throw the country into avoidable constitutional crisis.

“The commission is therefore, determined to proceed with the two end of tenure governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states and the 10 senatorial and state assembly elections with cautious optimistic bearing in mind that the health, and safety of the people will be crucial determinants of the success or otherwise of the elections.

“The challenge before the commission and indeed, the media is to design and launch creative and innovative ways of communicating with the Nigerian people in ways and means that accords with their sensitivities, allay their fears, reassures them about the future, and re-engage more concretely them with the electoral process.

“The commission is determined to deploy appropriate technology and mechanisms of reaching the Nigerian people in these challenging times. Hence, our voter education and publicity initiatives will be geared towards this,” he added.

This he said, will boost public confidence and re-engage the Nigerian people in the electoral process as well as assuring the citizenry that they will be safe while participating as voters, officials, observers or providing security.