RIVPA Urges Peaceful Election Campaigns, Protection of Journalists
The Independent Newspaper Publishers’ Association of Rivers State (RIVPA) has called on political parties, candidates and voters across the country to ensure that election campaigns are conducted peacefully and without intimidation.
The association also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain professional, impartial and neutral throughout the electoral process.
In a statement jointly signed in Port Harcourt by the Chairman and Secretary of the RIVPA Caretaker Committee, Ifeanyi Osi, and Augustine Tanee, respectively, the association appealed to political parties and candidates to make their campaigns issue-driven.
RIVPA said political campaigns should focus on candidates’ policies, programmes, records, competence and vision, rather than character assassination, ethnic or religious sentiments and deliberate misinformation.
The association further called on political actors and their supporters to respect citizens’ rights to freely attend political rallies, express political opinions and associate with political parties of their choice.
It also stressed the need to guarantee voters’ constitutional right to cast their ballots without fear, intimidation or harassment.
Protect journalists covering campaigns
RIVPA particularly raised concern over the safety of journalists assigned to cover political campaigns and rallies, urging security agencies to provide adequate protection for members of the press carrying out their professional duties.
The association called on security personnel deployed for election-related activities to operate professionally and without partisan considerations, saying journalists must be allowed to report electoral activities freely and safely.
RIVPA also urged INEC to maintain its independence and credibility by remaining apolitical, impartial and transparent in the discharge of its responsibilities during the campaign and electoral periods.
The association said peaceful campaigns, respect for citizens’ rights, professional security operations and credible electoral administration were essential to sustaining public confidence in the democratic process.
