Consolidate The Democracy You Fought For – Prof Francis Ezeonu

0
325

-Calls on the Media to Unite for  Free, Fair and Most Credible Elections

Ikechukwu Anyanwu of Arise Africa Mag in a handshake with INEC boss 

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Imo State,  Prof Francis Ezeonu,  has charged media practitioners in the country to make extra effort to consolidate the democracy they fought for. He charged the media to unite for a free, fair and credible elections when members of OMPAN IMO State Branch paid him a courtesy visit.

\”Come to think of it, our leaders who won independence for us,  achieved that feat as youths. They have held on to power and for too long our young people don\’t really want to get involved. Demographicaly,  the youths are more in number. They are  advantaged by their large number and would change the narratives, yet there is so much apathy among them.  Spending lots of energy and  time making noise on the social media and when it\’s time for elections,  most of our youths are not involved.
Most times, the electorate don\’t want to vote because they fear that it would be rigged.
It may interest you to know that next year election, your vote would surely count.\”
He averred.

Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (Ompan) with INEC Boss

INEC has introduced  technology for voters registrations, authentication and transmission of results.  It would no longer be possible for anyone to rig election by snatching of ballot boxes.

Making his remarks on the expectation of the media in the coverage of electoral process, Prof Ezeonu appreciated the pivotal role the media played in the struggle for independence as well as in the return to civil rule, and urged practitioners to ensure that they disseminate accurate and timely information to people of Nigeria.

Speaking today to members of  Online Media Practioner Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) , he charged them to always ensure they have a balanced reportage. 

He lamented the spate of hate speeches and sensational journalism, adding that the press should use it\’s influencesl to enlighten the electorate.

\”As a watchdog of the society, I expect members of the Press to always crosscheck their facts before dishing them out \” pointing that efforts should be made to always present a balanced reportage of events.

Prof Ezeonu explained that electoral activities ran in three phases of pre-election, election day and post election and appealed to the practitioners to help out with the voter education, sensitization and mobilization of the electorate.

He expressed worry about the high number of unclaimed Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs)  in the state.

He assured media practitioners in the State that he would work within the ambit of the law and pledged his commitment to be honest, open and transparent in all his dealings in the state. Appealing on the practioners to also acquaint themselves with the knowledge of the procedures and the supporting laws and the legislative instruments that govern the actions of the commission.

He confirmed that the voters registration exercise is a continuous exercise but was suspended so as to have ample time to produce the Permanent Voters Card before the elections.

The members of OMPAN present at the media parley commended the REC for his transparency in running the affairs of the Commission and for his confidence building efforts. They promised to use their media platforms in ensuring there is proper sensitization of the masses. As opinion moulders, they would ensure positive attitudinal change of the electorate.

Talking to his social media handle, the publisher of  Arise Africa Magazine,  Ikechukwu Anyanwu  and  colleagues at Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN)  Imo State Chapter announced  the bold step towards reversing the trends  by forging a strong partnership with INEC  in the area of sensitization and mobilization of youths in the state so as to have the electorates more  involved in the electoral process.

#Let\’sGetInvolved
#YourVotesShallCount
#SayNoToVoteBuying
#MediaUnitesForCredibleElections

Photo Credit: Arise Afrika Boss

Previous articleONE ON ONE WITH IKECHUKWU ANYANWU
Next articleINEC to partner with OMPAN, Imo chapter, on public enlightenment
Ikechukwu Anyanwu
PROFILE OF IKECHUKWU ANYANWU Ikechukwu Anyanwu is an Imo State born Nigerian. An Author, Public Speaker, Humanitarian, Blogger, Media Guru and Start-up Coach. He has inspired millions through Arise Africa Network Platform He Is Into Education, Media, Entertainment, Showbiz and Hospitality Industry. Having calved a nitche for himself as a leadership expert, human capital development and management consultant. He is currently the Chairman, Online Media practitioners Association of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter. Ceo Arise Africa Magazine, Founder Arise Africa Network – a non-profit organization. Face of Arise Africa, Managing Consultant GCFN Consult. Member, Imo State Bloggers Association. Ag National President, Association of Pageant CEO’s of Nigeria Human Resource Specialist and Leadership Coach with astute impact on many seeking to maximize their skills, intellectuals and innate potentials He has a track record of reproducing leaders and helping them to gain dominance within their nitch. Mr Anyanwu after a rich career that spanned for 18 years having worked as Human Resources Manger, Outlet Manager Rennys Foods Limited from 2004 – 2019, Management Consultant for various Quick Service Restaurants in Abuja, Enugu, Rivers State, Abia, Ebonyi, Kogi and Imo State is now focusing on helping young people to discover, develop their talents. He has built lots of platforms for young people of Africa to express their talents. He is passionate about writing, consulting, coaching and training. He blogs regularly via www.ariseafrika.com and has a thriving social media followership. He is a graduate of Sociology/Anthropology, Imo State University whose passion is to impart knowledge by educating, equipping and empowering young minds for the future. He is an alumni of Living Word Training Center He is also the West African Representative of All African Media Networks He is married to Mrs Carol Anyanwu and blessed with 3 sons.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here