2027: Sokoto Journalists Pledge Neutrality As Campaigns Commence
From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
As campaigns for the 2027 general election begin nationwide, journalists in Sokoto State have pledged to remain neutral and professional in the coverage of political activities.
They called on political actors to shun campaigns of calumny, character assassination and inflammatory rhetoric.
The journalists advised candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns centred on policies, programmes and solutions to challenges facing citizens.
These decisions were taken during the September Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, held at the weekend.
A communique issued after the congress, said journalism is a pillar of democracy as such journalists must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, fairness and independence.
The communique, jointly signed by the state NUJ Chairman, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji and Secretary, Muhammad Nasir Bello, expressed concern over persistent insecurity and called on governments at all levels to strengthen measures to protect lives and property and address the root causes of insecurity.
The congress agreed that all press conferences will henceforth be held at the NUJ Press Centre, except where compelling circumstances dictate otherwise, in order to enhance the safety and security of journalists.
The Congress further called for the strengthening of interventions to protect and support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and communities affected by insecurity.
The journalists urged governments and relevant stakeholders to establish and expand skills acquisition centres for Almajiri children, IDPs and out-of-school children, with a view to equipping them with sustainable livelihood skills, thereby reducing their vulnerability.
On public health, the Congress expressed concern over reported cases of diphtheria and called on relevant authorities and media organisations to intensify public enlightenment campaigns.
It charged journalists to verify health information before publication and promote responsible health-seeking behaviour among the public.
On food security, the Congress commended the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, for introducing the sale of rice at subsidised price and distribution of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to farmers free of charge to boost food security.
The Congress urged the state government to sustain and strengthen such interventions to support farmers, improve food access and advance food security in the state.
The Congress also commended the wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, for her humanitarian interventions, particularly the distribution of food items to communities affected by banditry in Kebbe, Yabo, Bodinga, Shagari, Binji, Tangaza, Rabah and Wurno Local Government Areas.
It called for the sustenance and expansion of humanitarian support to vulnerable communities affected by insecurity.
The Congress reaffirmed the NUJ Sokoto State Council’s commitment to defending press freedom, upholding professional ethics, promoting democratic accountability and peaceful coexistence, and protecting the public interest.
It called on governments, political actors, security agencies, media organisations and citizens to support the media in its role as a vital partner in building a peaceful, informed, accountable and democratic society.
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