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By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State government has said that it will next week begin series of engagement with critical stakeholders on the forthcoming local government and governorship elections.
The state commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson who disclosed this on Tuesday said the meeting will provide an opportunity for the stakeholders to discuss on how to have violence-free elections.
Iworiso-Markson who was speaking when he received the new executives of the Federated Correspondent Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State council stated that the role of each stakeholder will also be highlighted at the meeting.
He explained that the whole essence is to increase the level of awareness on the dangers of violence and solicit the support of the stakeholders to join in sensitizing the public ahead of the polls.
The Information commissioner commended members of the Federated Correspondent Chapel for conducting another peaceful election and assured them of the continuous support of the Governor Seriake Dickson-led administration.
The government spokesman reminded them of their huge responsibility as journalists in maintaining peace through objective reportage and urged them to avoid being used to overheat the polity with falsehood.
He said: “We all have a duty to play in the coming elections. But your role as journalists is very important. We can have a violent free election in the state if the media do the right thing. Do not allow yourself to be used to propagate falsehood. When your reports are biased it might lead to you over heating the polity.
“As a government we are concerned about the trend of elections in the state. We don’t want bloodshed, killings and destruction going forward. So as partners you need to work with us to sensitize the public on a peaceful election. We will be engaging other stakeholders from next week to also be on the same page.
“I congratulate you on your recent victory and be rest assured that we will work closely with you. The Restoration Government is a media friendly government and we are very accessible. Let me also say that even with the few months left in our tenure we are not relenting to maintain the ongoing massive but silent revolution in the state.”
Earlier the chairman of the chapel, Mr. Julius Osahon commended the government and the commissioner for the recognition given to the association and promised to do their best in disseminating the right information at all times.
He said the chapel is willing to do all that it can to help the government fulfill its desire of finishing well and strong but appealed for more support to enable them carry out their programmes and activities.
