The Independent Newspaper Publishers’ Association of Rivers State (RIVPA) has called on political parties, candidates and the electorate to ensure that election campaigns across the country are conducted peacefully and responsibly.
The association urged political parties and candidates to make their campaigns issue-based by focusing on their policies, programmes, records, competence and vision for the people, rather than resorting to character assassination, ethnic or religious sentiments and deliberate misinformation.
RIVPA also appealed to all stakeholders to respect citizens’ rights to freely attend political rallies, express their political views and associate with political parties of their choice.
The association further urged political actors and their supporters to ensure that citizens are able to exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear, intimidation or harassment.
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In a statement jointly signed and issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday by the Chairman of the RIVPA Caretaker Committee, Mr. Ifeanyi Evans Osi, and the Secretary, Mr. Augustine Tanee, the association called on security agencies deployed to provide security during the campaigns to remain professional, impartial and non-partisan.
It specifically urged security personnel to protect journalists and other media practitioners covering political campaigns and rallies, noting the importance of ensuring a safe environment for the press to carry out its constitutional responsibility of informing the public.
The association also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain apolitical, impartial and professional in the discharge of its responsibilities throughout the electioneering process.
RIVPA said the credibility of the electoral process would depend significantly on the conduct of political parties, candidates, security agencies, the electoral umpire and other stakeholders.
The association urged all stakeholders to prioritise peace, tolerance and democratic values in the interest of the country.
