The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Engineer Seyi Makinde, at the weekend enjoined Nigerian journalists across the country not to pitch their tents with politicians or political parties ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Makinde, who doubles as the Governor of Oyo State, advised journalists to remain neutral and uphold the ethics of the profession.
He gave this advice through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Makinde spoke over the weekend during the closing ceremony of the 60th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, among whom were journalists, political office holders, and other dignitaries across the state and the country in general.
NEWSUNPLUG reports that the event was held in Ibadan, the state capital. Makinde, while addressing the gathering, advised journalists to give every political party and its candidates a fair hearing.
He warned them against pitching tent with any politician or political party.
He further advised journalists to promote peace and not cause confusion in the country.
He added that journalists should educate the people and not engage in inflammatory things that can lead to crises.
He urged them to verify all information before publishing.
The governor said, “Elections come and go. Politicians come and go. Governments come and go. But institutions endure. The credibility of the media must outlive every political contest.”
NEWSUNPLUG reports that the forthcoming general elections are expected to take place between January and February next year.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to take place in January.
The state and House of Assembly elections have been fixed to take place in February next year.