Ahead of the Ondo State governorship bye-election scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024, media and civil society leaders have called on journalists to play a crucial role in countering misinformation.
This call to action came during a webinar on November 13, titled “Misinformation and Elections: Journalists, Public Educators, and Opinion Shapers.”
The event was hosted by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) in partnership with the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU SDGN) II.
The panel featured notable figures in the media and civil society sector, including Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA; Ms Joke Kujenya, Executive of the Media Mentors Journalism Centre; Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC); and Timothy Bamidele, a Programme Manager at the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO).
In his opening remarks, Oluwafemi pointed out the essential role of journalists in delivering accurate and fact-based information during elections, emphasizing that “reporting should promote peace and not violence.”
He stressed the public's reliance on the media for trustworthy news and guidance and urged journalists to prioritize both accuracy and their safety during election coverage.
“The media plays a critical role in fostering non-violent elections in Nigeria,” Oluwafemi explained.
“Our goal is to educate citizens to vote peacefully, with their thumbs rather than with weapons. Journalists must rise to the occasion, engaging the public in meaningful ways that encourage peace,” he added.
Kujenya addressed the critical distinction between misinformation and disinformation.
She underscored the duty of journalists to verify facts rigorously and to educate audiences about media literacy.
Kujenya urged reporters to collaborate with fact-checking organizations, verify information thoroughly, and maintain a proactive approach to monitoring social media for emerging misinformation.
“Understanding local issues and confirming the validity of all claims before broadcasting them is fundamental to the responsibilities of journalists,” Kujenya stated.
She added that reporters should be vigilant on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, watching for any misleading narratives that could affect the election.
Arogundade noted that all 18 political parties in the state had signed a peace accord, reinforcing a commitment to a peaceful election process.
He also highlighted the deployment of 41,000 security personnel to maintain safety.
However, Arogundade reminded journalists to prioritize their security and approach their work with a conflict-sensitive mindset.
Arogundade recommended tools such as I-Verify, which help journalists validate information before publishing, ensuring high standards of accuracy during this critical election period.
CAPPA, a pan-African organization dedicated to protecting human rights and promoting community empowerment, organized the initiative as part of its broader commitment to fostering democratic values and reducing the spread of misinformation in Nigeria's electoral process.
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