Impact of Twitter Ban on Corruption Growth in Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The primary aim of this research is to determine the impact of the twitter ban on the growth of corruption in Nigeria. Thus, the following objectives;
- To determine the role Twitter plays in a country like Nigeria.
- To determine the effects of this ban on individuals and organizations.
- To determine whether this ban has led to the rise of corruption in Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Our focus in this chapter is to critically examine relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and furthermore recognize the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps.
Introduction
Restrictions on the freedom of expression by constituted authority have been a sad disequilibrium long before what we now know as mass communication came to play. Censorship of the press began not long after the invention of the printing press. For instance, Pope Alexander VI issued a notice in 1501, requiring printers to submit copy to the church authorities before publication in order to prevent heresy. Penalties for bypassing the censors included fines and excommunication. (Infoplease, 2012). From time immemorial, press restriction has taken two dimensions. The first may be either censorship or mandatory licensing by the government in advance of publication; the second is punishment for printed material, especially that is considered by the government to be seditious libel. In England, where the struggle for press freedom first began, the appearance of unauthorized publications resulted in a royal proclamation of 1534 requiring prepublication licensing. John Milton, in his paper, Areopagitica of 1644, had attacked the licensing law and called on Parliament to suppress offensive publications after their appearance if necessary. Milton’s grievance with prior censorship ultimately transformed to a cornerstone of press freedom, even up to the modern times, as his ideal and proposition continued to be held high. It was however, not until 1695 that the licensing and censorship laws were abolished in England. Severe restrictions on the press continued in England through the 18th and 19th centuries. According to Udofa (2011) Freedom of expression is one of the fundamental rights, which are universally recognised and protected. Indeed, the constitutions of most countries of the world, including Nigeria have expressly provided for the protection of this right because of its importance and relevance to the enhancement of personal liberty and democracy. The right to freedom of expression is also protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the various regional Instruments and Conventions on human rights, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. Obligations and duties are imposed on the State or its agencies and on individuals to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. In the Nigerian setting, the right to freedom of expression is guaranteed and protected in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria in the following terms; every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom, to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference; Without prejudice to the generality of sub section (1) of this section, every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions provided that no person, other than the government of the federation or a state, or any other person or body authorised by the president on fulfillment of a condition laid down by an Act of National Assembly, shall own, establish or operate a television or wireless broadcasting station for any purpose whatsoever.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Impact of Twitter ban on corruption growth in Nigeria. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of Twitter ban on corruption growth in Nigeria
Summary
This study was on Impact of Twitter ban on corruption growth in Nigeria. Three objectives were raised which included; To determine the role Twitter plays in a country like Nigeria, to determine the effects of this ban on individuals and organizations and to determine whether this ban has led to the rise of corruption in Nigeria. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Onitsha Residents. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
It has looked at the hypothesis; “Is the Twitter ban an erosion of freedom of information in Nigeria?” From all indices and the plethora of reports of secondary data presented and analysed here; it can be arguably concluded that the current Nigerian government is bent on circumventing the right to free speech in the country. Looking at the multifaceted implications identified here, which the nation and its people are facing and may have to encounter on account of the Twitter suspension; it is a considered opinion that government should take early measure to nip the crisis in the bud.
Recommendation
Government has countered critics opinions that it acted out of vindictiveness, while saying its decisions were duly guided by public interest (while putting the ban in motion) the very reason citizens gave it(government) the mandate to protect and preserve their rights, dignity and ultimately, their lives. It should however, be noted that the principle of public interest is a broad concept and its interpretation is difficult to define. This definition or interpretation may vary depending on the circumstances of each case. It should left as a matter for the courts, acting in good faith with the specific aims of each act in mind.
References
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- Bethany A, Kate K., & Wang D. (2015). The Rise of Twitter in the Political Campaign: Searching for Intermedia Agenda-Setting Effects in the Presidential Primary. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. July 2015. 20 (4): 363–380. doi:10.1111/jcc4.12124. Retrieved03/07/2021, from: https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fjcc4.12124
- Coker, O. (2011, August 4). The emergence of Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act-2011. International Law Centre. Retrieved26/06/2021, from: https://bit.ly/3e0r4Mh
- D’Monte & Leslie. (2013). Swine Flu’s Tweet Tweet Causes Online Flutter. Business Standard. May 5. Retrieved04/02/2021, from: https://bit.ly/3AJMbML
- Danielle P. (2021). “Nigerians could get arrested for tweeting. They’re protesting on Twitter anyway.”Washington Post. ,June 7. Retrieved26/06/2021, from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/06/07/nigeria-twitter-ban-buhari-lawsuit/
- Daramola I. (1999). Law & Ethics of Media Practice. Lagos: Rothan Press Ltd. Pp 32—33.
- Ekwueme, A. C. (2008). Contemporary Print Media Productions. Obollo: Tonedu Publishers ISBN 978-078- 234-6. p. 23.
- Emmanuel, P. (2019). “Nigeria’s social-media bill.”Tech point. Retrieved 30/06/2021, from: https://techpoint.africa/2019/11/28/nigerias-social-media-bill/
