By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Kogi-based Civil Society Organization (CSO), Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has called on public institutions to ensure adherence to ethics and Integrity in the fight against corruption in the nation’s electoral and political process.
The CSO made the call in a communique issued at the end of one day programme on “Ethics and Integrity in The Fight Against Corruption for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) And the Media in Kogi State”, in Lokoja.
The Communique which was signed by the Executive Director of the CHRCR, Mr Idris Miliki Abdul said the programme aimed to examine the post 2023 elections on Ethics and Integrity in the fight against Corruption and Accountability.
The Communique observed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the just concluded 2023 elections, did not improve on its observance of Ethics and Integrity, despite the improved provisions in the 2022 Electoral Act.
It called for greater accountability of public bodies or institutions, communities and social groups as it urged greater adherence to accountability.
The Communique also enjoined CSOs to intensify their activities at encouraging peoples’ participation in core values that promote democratic principles, good governance, electoral integrity and legitimacy.
It urged CSOs, Women Groups, Religious Institutions and Youth Groups to create a platform for engagement of governorship candidates in open debates towards the 2023, November 11th, Governorship election in Kogi State.
The CHRCR also called on the Media as the “Fourth Estate of the Realm, provided for in Section 22 of the 1999 as amended”, not to be lukewarm in their responsibility to air and produce views, commentaries and information to enhance observance of National Ethics and Integrity.
The Communique enjoined the Media, particularly journalists, to report issues of public interests in fair, accurate, unbiased and decent manner, using decent language.
The Media, it further urged, should be encouraged to create contents and or programmes which can enhance Ethics and Integrity.
The programme was organised by CHRCR in partnership with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and supported by John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
The Nigerian Pilot reports that the one-day programme had in attendance members of selected CSOs, women groups, religious and youth leaders, Persons With Disabilities (PWD) and Media Practitioners from print, electronic and On-line. (Ends)