The National Orientation Agency on Thursday lamented the campaign of calumny being carried out in form of advertisements in the print and electronic media in the country by some political parties and announced plans to stop the ugly development.
The Director of Political and Civic Education of NOA, Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoba, stated this in Abuja, at a talkshow on the 2015 election organised by the Living Legends Foundation in collaboration with the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
Ekeoba, who represented the Director – General of the agency, Mr. Mike Omeri, at the event, noted that the publication of certain advertisement which were direct attacks on some candidates rather than addressing issues, was a serious concern to the NOA.
She said, “The indiscriminate broadcast on National Television, of some advertisements has become a big concern to us in NOA. As a matter of fact, the Director – General has asked us to plan a conference with political parties and their candidates on the issue.
“We are also planning a separate forum with media owners and management on the need to scrutinize these advertisements before they are published in the print media or broadcast on the electronic media, in line with the ethics of journalism.”
Ekeoba, explained that the post election violence could only be averted if the gladiators are mindful of their public comments and messages being published in the media.
She said, “Let me state here that political violence does not just begin when political supporters are deliberately armed with weapons to go and attack their perceived political enemies, it begins with verbal assaults on political opponents.
“These manifests in form of reckless political utterances and hate speeches as being experienced these days.
“When politicians resort to labeling, blackmail calumny, character assassination and threats of violence, they encourage their supporters to to manifest the comments they have made, in terms of practical demonstration”
She lamented that the ugly situation had started manifesting in form of attacks on campaign trains of some candidates, burning of political parties’ offices, maiming of political rivals, and destruction of property which belonged to opponents.
The Director – General of the National Council for Women Development, Ms. Onyeka Onwenu, urged politicians to refrain from inciting statements that could lead to crisis because women and children were usually the major casualty being the most vulnerable groups.
President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina, who was represented by the Editor, Abuja office of the Sun newspapers, Mr. Ikenna Emewu, described the media as a major stakeholder in the conduct of credible and peaceful polls.
He therefore urged media owners, management and writers to ensure that their reports are balanced while discouraging publication of materials that could incite the public.
Founder of the Living Legends Foundation, Mr. Frank Okechukwu, said the event was packaged to create a friendly atmosphere for the election by sensitising stakeholders on the need for candidates to make political atmosphere conducive before, during and after the elections. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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