UNDP charges media on conflict sensitive reportage

AHEAD of the coming general elections, Nigerian journalists have been told to be more mindful of their reportage in order not to ignite a fire of conflict in the nation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a capacity building workshop for media groups in the North Central geopolitical zone on conflict sensitive reportage ahead of the 2019 polls in Nigeria, the country representative of the UNDP Nigeria, Betty Wabunoha, said that voters and candidates rely on access to media to impart and receive information.

Represented by governance and security personnel of the organisation, Mathew Alao, the UNDP boss said that it is critical to have an open and diverse media that can provide balanced and impartial coverage and equitable access for competing candidates and parties.

The UNDP official, who urged journalists to be more conscious and careful when undertaking their assignments before, during and after the elections, added that national interest should be uppermost in their mind.

He also said that the position held by media in society makes them a target through co-option or capturing by interest group or party, adding that public opinion is swayed for or against issues, groups or candidates through such.

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“In some contexts, this has fueled election-related conflict and violence. It is our hope that this does not happen in Nigeria”, he said, adding that UNDP partnership with media would continue to focus on exploring avenues for strengthening the country’s position in leading by example, through the promotion of peace and unity.

Speaking on the objectives of the workshop, Alao said that it was designed to build the capacity of journalists to identify potential sources of election-related violence and report it to appropriate authorities for action.

“Promote a conflict-sensitive reporting culture among media practitioners, sensitise the media on key elements to look out for when reporting on elections, especially in conflict-sensitive settings and create opportunities for networking among media practitioners towards a proactive conflict sensitive reportage around elections and other socio-economic issues in Nigeria”, he said.

Declaring the workshop open, Governor Simon Dalung of Plateau state, represented by the state director general of research and documentation, Professor John Wade, described the workshop as timely, saying that it would provide building opportunities and balance reporting among journalists.

The governor, who called for attitudinal reawakening among the political class and media practitioners towards peaceful electioneering activities, said that the measure would help perfect the nation’s democracy.

The workshop was attended by media representatives from Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau states, and the FCT, Abuja.