The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has disclosed that telephone hotlines will be provided for media practitioners that will be covering the forthcoming off-cycle November 16 governorship election in Ondo State in order to verify blurry issues before reportage.
The Head of Department, Electoral Operations, INEC, Amosa Lamidi, who revealed this at a workshop organised by the Commission for media executives in Akure, Ondo State capital, stated that the hotlines would be made available to newsmen before the election day.
Represented by Mr. Tope Onojobi, he assured that a situation room would be opened to take calls on situation reports and to attend to enquiries from newsmen during the election.
The media executives were implored to support INEC to ensure reports being shunned out are authentic in order to guide against political violence in the state.
According to the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, media practitioners should endeavour to hold politicians and all stakeholders, including INEC, accountable.
Represented by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the INEC national commissioner pledged that the Commission would continue to provide newsmen with time and accurate information concerning the poll.
“We must unite to overcome challenges such as apathy, misinformation, and logistical barriers that may prevent citizens from collecting their PVCs.
“With your collaboration, we can tackle these challenges directly and ensure that every eligible voter in Ondo State is ready to make their voice heard on Election Day.”