2023: Editors critical to conduct of successful polls, says Uzodimma

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has said editors have critical roles to play in the conduct of successful elections in 2023.

Speaking in Owerri, the state capital, at the opening of the 11th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference with the theme: Politics and Credible Elections and the Role of Editors, yesterday in Owerri, the state capital, the governor noted that editors are among critical stakeholders in the conduct of transparent, credible, and acceptable elections.

Giving reasons while addressing the editors during the conference, he said: “This is because of the age-long saying that the pen is mightier than the sword. Yes, with your pen you can make the 2023 elections a huge success or a colossal failure.

“When as editors we choose to play up and propagate divisive and toxic utterances of our politicians, we are deliberately helping to heat up the polity. The divisive reportage we often make in the print and electronic media, which we control can, and does affect the peace and credibility of elections. In other words, how we manage our reports is crucial to the conduct of an election.”

Uzodimma noted that when divisive facts are splashed as screaming banner headlines, they are bound to push the populace to the boiling point. “But when the same facts are played down in the order of reports, they may not have the same bang effect.

“So, I submit that as editors, you have a patriotic duty to manage these sacred facts for the ultimate good of our dear country.”

The governor stressed that media management of election proper – positively or negatively – could also have soothing or devastating consequences on the outcome of elections.

“For instance, the unethical practice of announcing or publishing unverified or unofficial versions of election results, especially while the election is yet to be completed, could influence the public to assume a position even before the official declaration of the results.

“Thereafter, if the official results differ from the results they expected, it could be an invitation to anarchy.”

Advising media managers to restrain their institutions from speculating on the results of elections, Uzodimma said there is need for editors to dispassionately distance themselves from proprietorial interest and be guided instead by national interest.

“When you allow the proprietorial interest of your media outfit to overshadow your editorial or professional interest, you will be doing a disservice not only to the nation but to your professional integrity. The danger here is that often these proprietorial interests are self-serving. Some are meant to serve ethnic or religious interests.

“So, when you wittingly or unwittingly subscribe to them, you are subscribing to the divisive tendencies that threaten the very fabric of our national unity,” he said.

The governor noted that journalists are in a real position not only to mould and shape opinions, but to also be a beacon in the developmental template for the nation.

“When there is doubt, you should offer hope. When there is dissension, you should proffer consensus. And when selfishness and clannishness throw up their ugly heads, you should wave the flag of unity. This is vital as we seek to build a united, prosperous and stronger republic,” Uzodimma said.

The governor regretted that some journalists have failed the nation for not being the rallying point of unity.

“I am horrified to admit that some sections of the press have been at the forefront of inflaming passion in Nigeria through their sensational and combative posturing in the name of dissemination of information.

“I know that your primary duties are to inform, educate and entertain. But in the execution of this huge responsibility, some journalists have sacrificed objectivity and allowed themselves to be taken captive by emotional, tribal and religious cleavages,” he said.

He urged the editors to check what he called jaundiced journalism, recalling that Imo State has recently been a victim of jaundiced journalism where naked lies and half-truths were published against the government.

The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Chineyere Okunna, urged the editors to always exhibit courage and politely refuse to be intimidated.

She noted that media work is a dangerous and risk one worldwide, adding: “There will be intimidation; there will be harassment. But, can you have the courage to tell the politicians, even the governors, to allow you do your job as professionals?”

In a goodwill message, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, noted that good journalism is critical to sustainable democratic culture.

“We should be concerned about the roles of editors on the conduct of free, fair, credible and peaceful election,” he said.

Danbatta, who was represented by the commission’s Director of Special Duties, Reuben Muoka, said political stability that results from successful conduct of elections creates an enabling environment for the economy to grow.