The Federal Government, yesterday, described as false, media reports that it was denying accreditation to foreign journalists to come for the coverage of the forthcoming elections.
A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, which was made available to Daily Sun in Abuja, said the ministry viewed the claim as a deliberate ploy by some politicians to smear the image of the government ahead of the elections.
“In line with the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Information to create media access to report on the activities of the federal government, it has so far processed 300 applications from foreign journalists to secure visa and come into the country for the elections.
“Hundreds of other applications received by the ministry are being processed at the moment.
“Those who could not secure their visas from Nigerian embassies abroad probably did not follow the due process to secure the accreditation.
“The Federal Ministry of Information therefore appeals to foreign journalists wishing to come into the country to cover the elections to follow the due process in securing the accreditation including the presentation of official correspondence from their organizations.
“They can equally apply online using the following email address: [email protected],” the statement read.
Yemi-Esan also called on the general public to disregard the report which she said, was false and mischievous.
