Imo State Police Commissioner, CP Mohammed Barde, has urged media organisations and practitioners in the state to join in efforts that would help ensure credible, free and fair elections in 2023.

Barde made the call in a paper titled: ‘The Press, Security Agencies, Bench and Bar in a Democratic Dispensation,’ presented at the 15th anniversary of a stated-based newspaper, EasternNews, held, in Owerri, at the weekend.

The security chief, represented by the Command’s Spokesman, Michael Abattam, identified the media as the most powerful tool for socio-political engineering and an indispensable tool for free and fair elections, as well as conscience of the society.

He said: “Media practitioners must eschew sentiments and prioritise dissemination of information, which will help the electorate vote wisely during the forthcoming 2023 general elections, in the interest of the people and nation.

“As we go into the election process proper, there is need for free and unbiased information flow.

“Media practitioners, in their reportage, must ensure they are objective, positively driven and free of bias for effective enlightenment of the general public.

“They should educate the public on their rights as entrenched in the Constitution and the electoral laws.

“They should help in sensitising the electorate on their rights before, during and after elections.

“More so, they should assist in creating awareness, so that parents and guardians can warn or advise their wards on dangers of being involved in election thuggery.”

“Also, political stockholders should be sensitised that campaigns should be issues-driven and free of hate speeches, abusive or slanderous languages that might likely provoke violent reactions, physical attacks or destruction of campaign materials or areas.”

Barde disclosed that his men are continuously trained and equipped with modern security intelligence to enable them guarantee a non-violence and crime-free atmosphere in the state to enable citizens participate freely without fear of intimidation, attack or harassment throughout the election period.

“I can assure you that my men, in partnership with other sister agencies, are ready to ensure safety of the electorate, electoral materials and electoral officers before, during and after elections,” Barde assured.