By Rose Oranye
Members of the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), on Monday, visited the Commissioner for Information, Anambra State, Dr Law Mefor, at his office in Awka, seeking partnership in information management and dissemination ahead of the November 8 governorship election, under Project IMPACT.
Receiving the group, Commissioner Mefor, while assuring the government’s support to their programme, commended SIDEC for her efforts to ensure a massive turnout of voters, particularly the marginalised groups, during the election.
He urged the group to reach out to the opposition parties who foment trouble, spread fake news and peddle fake news and propaganda before, during and after elections.
He observed that Ndị Anambra scarcely participate in elections regardless of prevailing circumstances, adding that:
“There’s this disconnect between them and the government, as many feel they have no business with governance. Hence, the challenge of holding government accountable.
“That’s why we need to enlighten our people to get them to participate in elections. We’ll do our best to support you, including assisting you with staff for effective media coverage,” he said.
The Commissioner further warned residents against fake news, hate speech and other forms of misinformation ahead of the election.
He explained that fake news is poisonous, while purveyors of fake news are worse than criminals, adding that keeping the cyberspace safe from pollution remains a collective and civic responsibility of all citizens irrespective of social status or political affiliations.
“To appreciate the dangers of fake news, you need to understand why lying is considered both a moral sin and a crime.
“Lies alter reality and lead to serious miscalculations and decisions that can even end mankind. In elections, losers make winners appear to be fake in the public eye through their false narratives. The consequences are too grave.
“For me, purveyors of fake news are as dangerous as kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, and Yahoo Plus and should be made to face the full wrath of the law because of the serious danger they pose.
“As a journalist, there’s what we call the golden rule, ‘If you’re in doubt, leave out.’”
“Any information you forward means endorsement of the message. That’s why you need to authenticate any message before sharing.
“As citizens, we have the civic responsibility of keeping the cyberspace safe for us and society.”
The SIDEC Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, said that apart from seeking partnership in information management, the group was seeking collaboration in countering disinformation, digital outreach, stakeholder engagements and media support.
“Project IMPACT means Inclusive Mobilisation for Participation, Advocacy, and Civic Transformation, implemented by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in partnership with SIDEC, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
“It’s also a civic inclusion initiative aimed at increasing the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in governance in Anambra and Imo States,” she said.
She maintained that the partnership will enhance voter awareness and turnout among marginalised groups, even as the project will reduce the spread of electoral disinformation and strengthen advocacy for policy reforms.
