By Luchee Igwe
Senator Victor Umeh, the Labour Party Candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, says that media reports are key to helping the electorate make an informed decision about voting for credible leaders in the coming 2023 general elections.
Umeh made the ascertion at a training on Safety and Security Reporting for Journalists, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council on Thursday, in Awka.
He said that media reports on the development of the general election campaigns would provided information about political parties and the programmes of candidates.
“The media have an indispensable role in the proper functioning of our democracy, and they do this by providing information about activities of political parties and their candidates.
“The media provide a platform for the political parties and candidates to communicate their land for the people; allowing the parties and candidates to debate with each other.
“This will help Nigerians make informed decision about voting in credible leaders in the coming elections.That is the way we can get good leadership that will transform Nigeria for good,” he said.
He urged journalists to report their news stories objective by ensuring balance and not function as a mouthpiece for any political party or particular candidate.
On his programmes if elected, Umeh promised to bring rapid development to the state through effective legislative intervention.
“I promise to speak for the people and contribute meaningfully to debates that will drive national development,” he said.
In a remark, Dr Emeka Odogwu
Chairman, NUJ Anambra Council, said the training was to provide skills and guidelines for journalists to imbibe best practice in reporting the general elections.