The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has charged journalists in the state to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, objectivity and non-partisanship in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
The union also urged media practitioners to remain security conscious as political activities gather momentum across the country.
These were part of resolutions reached at the end of the monthly Congress of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, held on Saturday at the Abib Olamitoye Hall of the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The Congress, which was held under the leadership of the State Chairman, Mr. Akeem Abas, deliberated extensively on current affairs, developments in the media industry and the welfare and safety of journalists.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the Secretary of the Council, Mr. Temidayo Adu, the NUJ warned journalists against compromising professional standards or allowing partisan interests to influence their constitutional responsibilities.
The union also advised members to maintain a high level of security consciousness throughout the electioneering period.
According to the communiqué, journalists were warned against attending press conferences and official engagements held at undesignated or unofficial locations, stressing that the measure was necessary to safeguard media practitioners against potential security threats.
The Congress also appealed to politicians, political parties and other stakeholders to embrace issue-based campaigns as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
It urged political actors to avoid campaigns characterised by blackmail, character assassination, cyberbullying and other forms of personal attacks.
The NUJ further called on politicians and political parties to make use of the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, for media briefings and press conferences, particularly as electioneering activities increase, in order to enhance the safety of journalists.
On the growing spread of fake news and misinformation, the Congress expressed concern over the increasing volume of unverified information circulating on social media platforms.
It called for the effective enforcement of existing cyber laws against the deliberate dissemination of false information capable of causing public panic, social unrest and security breaches.
The Congress also urged security agencies to develop proactive and robust operational strategies to guarantee public safety throughout the electioneering and election periods.
On the welfare of journalists, the NUJ advised proprietors of media organisations to provide comprehensive insurance cover for journalists deployed to cover political campaigns and elections.
According to the union, adequate insurance protection would provide journalists with greater security and peace of mind while carrying out their professional responsibilities in potentially risky environments.
The communiqué was drafted by a three-member committee comprising Comrade Segunfunmi Oyedokun, Comrade Olawale Asake and Comrade Aminat Busari-Adeleke.
