By Izunna Okafor, Awka
In what could best be described as a strategic and productive collaboration ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship election, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, in partnership with Anambra Patriots for Soludo, has trained journalists in the state on ethical election coverage and personal safety on duty.
Among the highlight of the one-day capacity-building workshop was the remark and appeal for stronger collaboration made by the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, who described the Commission and the NUJ as “twin brothers,” emphasizing that democracy cannot thrive without a robust electoral process and a responsible press working hand-in-hand.
Held at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka, the workshop themed “Ethical Journalism and Journalists’ Safety in an Evolving Democracy” drew participants from across the state and featured distinguished speakers, including media veterans, legal practitioners, community leaders, and public officials, who jointly called on the journalists to brace up and professionally play their constitutional role as defenders of democracy and truth-bearers, even in the face of danger and distraction.
Speaking at the event, the Anambra REC, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, who recounted her love for the journalism profession and smooth working relationship with Anambra journalists since she was deployed to the state, likened the INEC and the NUJ to “twin brothers,” stressing that both institutions have inseparable roles in safeguarding democracy. According to her, while INEC conducts the election, it is journalists that explain it to the people.
While commending the Anambra journalists for their selfless services and their support to the Commission so far, she also emphasized the need for stronger synergy between both institutions, noting that misinformation and unethical reportage could cause irreparable damage to the electoral process and public trust.
Earlier in her address of welcome, the Chairperson of the Anambra NUJ Local Training Committee, Ukpa Ewa, explained that the workshop was designed to reinforce the core values of journalism — truth, fairness, accuracy, transparency — while confronting emerging threats to journalists’ safety such as online harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks. According to her, a safer and more supportive environment for journalists is crucial to defending democracy. She further commended her team and all who contributed in one way or the other to the fruition of the initiative, while also expressing optimism for greater impacts of the workshop on the life and the profession of the Anambra journalists and the society at large.
Delivering a keynote lecture, a veteran journalist and former Editor of the National Light Newspaper, Sir Victor Agusiobo, who spoke on the topic: “Covering Elections, Journalism Ethics: Fighting for the Soul of a Profession”, painted a vivid picture of the dangerous intersection between political power and journalistic compromise. He described election as the oxygen of democracy and the highest form of petitionary communication, adding that it offers citizens the rare opportunity to choose their tyrants or statesmen.
Sir Agusiobo noted that in the race for power, some politicians lose their moral compass, lie, cheat, and even kill to attain or retain power, stressing that only a strong, professional and ethical media can check such tendencies. According to him, the role of the media in electoral processes is not just to report but to shape societal consciousness, guard against conflict, and expose manipulation. He warned against the rising acceptance of unethical practices such as “brown envelope journalism,” stressing that “we cannot enjoy the honor of being called the Fourth Estate of the Realm and yet bow to the lure of pecuniary influence.”
Describing unethical journalism as a dagger to the soul of the profession, he declared thus: “If we must survive as a respected institution, we must reject all temptations that seek to trade truth for money.”
“Whatever is the state of the dialectics, the truth is that elections are so important to society and their reporting and coverage should not be left even in the hands of well-intentioned amateurs. It calls for a good dose of maturity, confidence, knowledge, tact, professionalism laced with an equally high dose of ethics,” he concluded.
Similarly in his own lecture, a legal practitioner and electoral expert, Dr. Moses Ugboh, who spoke on “Role of INEC and Fundamental Duties of Journalists in Covering Elections”, affirmed that credible elections cannot happen without the watchful eyes and pens of journalists. In his words, the media play a decisive role in educating, informing, and sensitizing the electorate; and if the press fails, democracy itself is endangered.
He urged journalists to be cautious, factual, and objective, especially in the heat of political campaigns and election results, noting that fake news and incendiary headlines could plunge the state into chaos.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Anambra Patriots for Soludo, Chief Damian Ejiamatu, who also Chaired the occasion, and the Convener of Anambra Patriots for Soludo, Architect Okey Ezeobi, reiterated that the workshop was borne out of the need to strengthen the fibre of journalists’ morale to speak truth to the people and courageously project the developmental strides of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
The duo, while highlighting and urging the journalists to help publicize the good works of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, further emphasized that accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism is key to protecting democracy and countering misinformation, especially during elections, stressing that Journalists shape public opinion in diverse ways and are expected to stand for truth at all times.
Similarly echoing their views, the Member representing Njikoka II Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Jude Akpua; the MD/CEO of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Christopher Molokwu; and the Secretary of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, H.R.M. Igwe Pius Omachonu, lauded the media for their resilience despite the daunting challenges they face; urged them not to relent in their efforts to inform, educate, and challenge power constructively. The trio reminded the journalists of the heroic role journalism played in the nation’s independence, and further encouraged them to reclaim their pride and confront emerging threats to press freedom and credibility.
Earlier declaring the workshop open, the NUJ Chairman in Anambra State, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD., who lauded such productive and impactful partnership, described the training as timely, strategic, and patriotic, especially as the state edges closer to a crucial governorship poll. He reiterated the NUJ’s commitment to promoting ethical journalism, journalist safety, and political neutrality, calling on practitioners to shun sensationalism and align with truth, fairness, and professionalism.
“We are not enemies to any political party or candidate. We are servants of the people and watchdogs of democracy. Our allegiance is to truth, justice, and the people,” he declared.
Among other highlights, lectures by the keynote speakers and the interactive sessions, group photographs, and presentation of certificate to the participants, formed the climax of the event.
More photos from the event:
