The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), yesterday, urged journalists to avoid sensational reportage that are capable of igniting violence and crisis in the country before, during and after the 2023 polls.

The leadership of INEC and NUJ made the appeal during a capacity-building workshop organised for journalists in the South-West.

The workshop, with the theme: “Conflict-Sensitive Reporting and 2023 General Elections,” which was held at the NUJ Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital, had in attendance journalists from different media organisations.

National President of NUJ, Chris Isiguzo, while commending INEC for providing the opportunity to discuss issues bordering on the 2023 general election in the country, lauded the electoral body for its support to journalists over the years.

Isiguzo, who was represented by NUJ National Trustee (South-South) and General Manager of Radio Nigeria, Bronze FM, Benin City, Bimbo Oyetunde, said the media remained part of the process of ensuring credible elections in the country.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Rufus Akeju, in his goodwill message, urged journalists to play the roles expected of them to avert breach of peace by being objective and neutral in their reportage before, during and after the 2023 general elections.

On his part, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, commended the leadership of NUJ for the training, saying that the country is at the last stretch in the march to the 2023 polls.

Okoye, who was represented by the Administrative Secretary, Oyetola Oyelami, stressed that as the country moves closer to the 2023 elections, there are obvious landmines that the media must avoid.

The State Chairman of NUJ, Leke Adegbite, in his remarks, appreciated the NUJ National President for the opportunity given to Ondo State journalists to benefit from the workshop and all he had been doing for the union.