- Safiu Kehinde
Nigerian Police Force has tasked Journalists to factcheck information amid concern over the spread of fake news ahead of the 2024 Edo Governorship election.
Addressing newsmen in a Press Briefing at Edo on Thursday, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Frank Mba, stressed on the need to factcheck information during the election.
While reflecting on past election experience, Mba appealed to journalist to checkmate the activities of fake news peddlers.
“We appeal to you to help us in checkmating the activities of those who might be spread fake news during this election.
“We have seen that in the past. We have seen instances of misinformation and disinformation.
“Therefore. we are appealing to you to help us in checkmating the activities of some people who might deliberately try to use instrumentality of fake news to cause panic within the polity, to heat up the polity, to create confusion and possibly instigate a breakdown of law and order.” He said.
“In that wise, I will appeal to you to always factcheck information with us directly and with other agencies that will be involved in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the Deputy IGP released hotlines for public enquiry as related to the election.
He assured Nigerian citizens of the Force’s commitment in ensuring peace and tranquility during the election.
Mba noted that the Force’s approach towards securing the electoral process will be comprehensive.
“Our approach to securing this process will be comprehensive. We will operate on land, we will operate on air, and we will operate on the water ways.
“We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that we deliver, working in conjunction with INEC, other law enforcement agencies, media practitioners, CSOs, election observers, and other authorized individuals and organizations in delivering an election that we will all be proud of.” He added.