#Osundecides- INEC task media organizations to maintain professionalism

The independent National electoral commission urges media organizations covering the osun state election  slated to hold on Saturday September 22nd not to report election results until authorise commission does.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Segun Agbaje, gave this charge while addressing journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo on Friday.

Agbaje said journalists would be compromising the credibility of the election by reporting unsubstantiated results stressing that media platforms should not be in a hurry to declare the results.

He said election would end by 2pm and that those who are already on queue would still be allowed to vote while voters who arrive after 2pm would not be allowed to exercise their franchise.

“Don’t allow your media organisations to be used by politicians. We urge you to wait until final results are declared by INEC before going to press,” Agbaje said.

Agbaje reiterated that electorate should not go into the voting cubicles with their phones and other gadgets but could come to the polling units with their phones.

He debunked speculation that card readers have been designed to favour some political parties.

The REC said the electoral umpire would deal with anyone engaging in vote buying or selling in accordance with the electoral Acts.

He said electoral offenders risk between 6 and 12 months imprisonment or payment of fine if convicted.

He advised journalists to ensure investigations of allegations before publishing them.