By Chigozie Chukwuleta
The Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) has called on media practitioners to play a crucial role in safeguarding democracy in Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
The call was made by the Executive Director of CEMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, at a media engagement event organized in collaboration with the International Press Centre (IPC) and supported by the European Union through its European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II Programme).held in Awka, the state capital recently.
Dr. Akingbulu emphasized the importance of responsible media practice in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. He identified four key pillars for responsible media practice: combating information disorder, sustaining civic and voter education, promoting inclusion, and ensuring media safety.
The CEMESO boss noted that the media’s role in the election goes beyond mere reportage, but rather an act of safeguarding democracy itself. He urged journalists to be vigilant in verifying information, fact-checking, and promoting public confidence in electoral institutions.
Dr. Akingbulu also emphasized the need for inclusive coverage, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. He stressed that inclusive coverage is not an act of charity, but an ethical and professional obligation.
The Executive Director urged media practitioners to work collaboratively, sharing verified information in real-time, and providing rapid alerts on any threats to process integrity or journalist safety. He emphasized that the success of the election depends on collective effort and that the media plays a critical role in building a democratic society.
“This election’s success will not depend, just on individual brilliance, but on collective effort. We count on you not just to report, but to collaborate—sharing verified information in real-time, and providing rapid alerts on any threats to process integrity or journalist safety.Together, we can build a media ecosystem that is proactive, not reactive; constructive, not combative”,
“Election is a multi-actor activity. In addition to the Election Management body (INEC), there are many institutions with defined roles. Each must perform its responsibilities for the election to be credible, and successful. Working collaboratively, including with the media, is very essential.Hence, all the institutions are urged to professionally perform assigned duties to effectively cover the Anambra elections”,
“I remind us all that the power to build or break a democracy often lies not in the hands of politicians, but those who shape public understanding—the media. Let us remember that the media is not merely a mirror of society; it is the compass that points a people toward integrity. Between now and Election Day, as well as during and after polling day, let us commit to being that compass for the people Anambra. Let us tell stories that heal, not harm; share facts that inform, not inflame; and report in ways that elevate, not erode public trust”,
“May our collective efforts harvest results, not just reports, and may Anambra 2025 election stand as a testament to a media community that chose integrity over sensationalism, collaboration over competition, and truth over convenience”, he advised
The participants were divided into two groups of Broadcast and Print/Blog during the technical session, where they were drilled on codes of election coverage and importance of inclusivity in news reporting .
