The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, has established a Situation Room ahead of Saturday’s governorship election to monitor the safety of journalists and combat the spread of fake news and misinformation during the electoral process.
The initiative, according to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, is aimed at providing a rapid-response mechanism for journalists covering the election across the state.
Babatuyi explained that the Situation Room, located at the NUJ Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, will track incidents of harassment, intimidation, and other threats against journalists, while also serving as a hub for monitoring and responding to misinformation capable of undermining the credibility of the election.
He noted that the increasing use of fake news and disinformation during elections poses a serious threat to democratic processes, as false narratives can be deployed to manipulate voters, incite tension, and distort public perception.
According to him, the Situation Room will work closely with fact-checking organisations and other media stakeholders to verify viral claims, debunk false information, and provide journalists with accurate and verified data for responsible reporting throughout the election period.
The NUJ Chairman urged journalists and members of the public to make use of the facility by reporting incidents and seeking clarification on election-related information. He added that enquiries can be directed to the Situation Room through the following telephone numbers: 08139588218, 08035141820, and 08034105542.
