In
order to educate young journalists on the ethics that guide media
reports ahead of the 2015 general elections, a Senior Advocate of
Nigeria (SAN) and human rights activist, Femi Falana, on Tuesday,
January 27, visited the main campus of the Lagos State Polytechnic
(LASPOTECH), Ikorodu campus and spoke on the topic, “2015 Elections:
Legal and Ethical Issues in Media Reporting.”The programme, organised by the School of Communication and Liberal Studies, was held at the 700-seater auditorium, School of Management and Business Studies (SMBS), and it witnessed a high turnout of students of the institution.
In his opening speech, Falana commended the effort of Dr Abdul-Azeez Lawal on the development of the polytechnic.
“I want to commend the rector of this institution, Dr Abdulazeez Abioye Lawal, for his achievements so far. I am impressed and I do hope that he will keep this up,” he said.
Speaking on the theme of the programme, the barrister explained that one of the ethical objectives of the media is to present balance and fair reporting to members of the public.
“In order to conduct fair and free election, the constitution and Electoral Act have charged mass media of the responsibility to mobilise and sensitise the electorate to choose credible leaders,” Falana explained.
He further urged the students to ensure that they make thorough researches on every information to be disseminated to the members of the society, in order not to run foul of the law.
On the part of the right to vote, the barrister stressed further that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should allow whoever cannot get the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) to vote for candidates of their choice, and they should not disenfranchise the citizens from voting.
Ademola Fagbemi
(HND 2, Mass Communication, LASPOTECH)
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