The Independent Newspaper Publishers’ Association of Rivers State, RIVPA, has called for peaceful and issue-based election campaigns across the country.
In a statement jointly signed by the association’s CTC Chairman, Ifeanyi Evans Osi, and Secretary, Augustine Tanee, RIVPA urged political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on policies, programmes, records, competence and their vision for the people.
The association cautioned against character assassination, ethnic and religious sentiments, as well as deliberate misinformation during electioneering.
RIVPA also called on political leaders to respect the rights of citizens to freely attend political rallies, express their political opinions and cast their votes without fear, intimidation or harassment.
The association urged security agencies to remain professional and nonpartisan throughout the campaigns, while ensuring adequate protection for journalists covering election activities.
RIVPA further advised the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to remain apolitical and impartial in the discharge of its responsibilities.
