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Politicians Putting Us Under Pressure To Buy PVCs From Us – INEC Alerts

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L-R: Remi Oladoye of OMPAN, Comrade Wale Ojo-Lanre, Barrister Mutiu Agboke, Comrade Adewunmi Faniran and Pastor Bisi Oladele...at the event on Thursday...
L-R: Remi Oladoye of OMPAN, Comrade Wale Ojo-Lanre, Barrister Mutiu Agboke, Comrade Adewunmi Faniran and Pastor Bisi Oladele...at the event on Thursday...

The Independent National Electoral Commission Resident Commissioner (INEC) in Oyo State, Barrister Mutiu Agboke has urged politicians looking for PVCs to buy that there is none available anywhere.

He also drew the attention of Nigerians to the fact that these unscrupulous politicians are putting INEC under pressure to achieve the aim of acquiring PVCs.

Bar Agboke disclosed this during a-day Seminar on Online Journalism & Media Integrity In Nigeria organized by Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Oyo State chapter held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan on Thursday, 27th December, 2018.

While urging online media practitioners to always avail themselves of adequate knowledge about electoral issues, he noted that based on security reports, INEC has confirmed that politicians are now looking for Permanent Voters’ Cards to buy as they prepare for the  2019 polls.

Agboke said that the commission has blocked all loopholes where PVCs distribution process can be hijacked by politicians.

Bar Agboke revealed that Oyo State has a total number of 2,954,720 registered voters and 927,225 PVCs yet to be collected.

He said that INEC office in Oyo State has received another batch of 103,737 PVCs for voters that sought transfer, replacement of lost and defaced PVCs.

Speaking on the Osun rerun election, Bar Agboke explained that issue of rerun elections is in line with guidelines being used by the commission.

Agboke noted that rerun elections have been held in two different states of Taraba and Kogi apart from Osun State.

While seeking the collaboration of OMPAN, INEC Resident Commissioner said that the commission is ready to provide a level playing ground for all political parties and candidates.

Pastor Bisi Oladele, the Nation Newspaper South West Bureau Chief and Comrade Wale Ojo Lanre in their separate lectures, urged online media practitioners to always ensure quality content and integrity.

Pastor Oladele identified understanding good journalism, training and retraining, patience, maintenance of ethical practices, ownership and delayed gratifications as major factors that can positively affect the career of a reporter and his medium.

Ojo Lanre, in his submission noted that ‘fact checking’ of information enables reporters to ensure balance and objectivity in their reports and these will in return earn them integrity and respect from the public.

He urged online practitioners to tap from the Freedom of Information Bill to bring up to the task, government officials to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.

NUJ Chairman in Oyo State, Comrade Adewunmi Faniran commended the organizers of the programme for ensuring that members are operating within the ambit of ethics and principles guiding the profession.

Packaged by Kunle Gazali

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