The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, has condemned the growing incidents of political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election, urging all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The union made the call in a communiqué issued after its July Congress held at the NUJ Secretariat in Osogbo.
The journalists expressed concern over the rising political tension across the state and called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to remain professional, impartial and neutral in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the election.
According to the communiqué, security agencies must conduct their operations in a manner that inspires public confidence and guarantees a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
The NUJ also appealed to politicians and their supporters to embrace peace and abide by the rules governing the electoral process, stressing that the governorship election should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
The council urged registered voters who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so at designated Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collection centres and participate freely in the election without fear of intimidation.
It further called on security agencies to ensure the safety of journalists covering the governorship poll, emphasizing that media professionals must be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without harassment, intimidation or interference.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible journalism and urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure a peaceful, free and fair governorship election in Osun State.
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