The Challenges of Mass Media in Promoting Good Governance in Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
The study sought to know the challenges of mass media in promoting good governance in Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to;
- determine the relationship between mass media and promotion of good governance in Nigeria.
- Investigate the extent to which mass media has contributed to democratic governance in Nigeria.
- Propose certain ways of revamping/cubing the challenges facing mass media in promoting good governance in Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Concept of Good Governance
Good governance is a controversial concept, especially to the ruling class in developing countries, which is often reluctant to be held accountable. Yet, it is at the heart of the process of sustainable development. In fact, major donors and international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund or World Bank now insist on reforms ensuring good governance as a condition for granting aid and loans. The terms “governance” and “good governance” have of late been featuring regularly in development literature. Governance refers to the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented or not implemented. Public institutions are under obligation to conduct public affairs, manage public resources, and guarantee the realization of human rights. Good governance provides the framework for this to be accomplished in a manner free of abuse and corruption, and with due regard for the rule of law. Best (2007), defines good governance as, the running of the affairs of government in positive and progressive manners beneficial to the governed, and which delivers the public goods’. Good governance, according to Wikipedia (2007), is characterized by participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus orientation, equity and inclusiveness, effectiveness and efficiency, and accountability. It is also characterized by democratization, maintenance of law and order, accountability and transparency, competence, due process, separation and devolution of power, a free press and a virile civil society arena, competition for power and the existence of a credible opposition. All these characteristics assure that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. Good governance helps to diffuse tensions and remove problems as they evolve. Decision makers take the right decisions as and when due. However, in today’s Nigeria, political office holders have a wrong and misplaced concept of governance. It is obvious that what drives most people to seek elective post is the “spoils” of the office. Elective office holders are interested more in how much money or state wealth they can amass for themselves at the expense of the people. The real concept of governance which is service and improvement of the standard of living of the governed is completely alien to them. The pillar of good governance is probity, transparency and accountability. Sadly, these three are largely absent in the nation’s life. This explains why an average Nigerian is so skeptical of public functionaries. The situation is so pathetic at the third tier of government. It is common knowledge that governance at the local government level in many states of the federation has been non-existent. There are reports of council chairmen and councilors who only show up at the office at the end of the month when revenue allocations are being shared. As soon as everybody takes his share, they disappear for the rest of the month. The thinking among these elected public officers is that nobody would ask questions. To check this ugly trend, Ibrahim Tahir, ex-internal affairs minister in the defunct Second Republic posits: “we must get our concept of governance right. We must allow our democracy to endure and develop its systems. We must establish safeguards against the factor that make it possible for corruption such as we have it today to flourish. We must also fashion out a proper system of sanction against culprits. 2007:16). All these are necessary if not, we would be chasing shadows” (Tahi)
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
5.1 Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the challenges of mass media in promoting good governance in Nigeria. Ikorodu local government council in Lagos. 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 the challenges of mass media in promoting good governance in Nigeria.
Summary
This study was on the challenges of mass media in promoting good governance in Nigeria. Ikorodu local government council in Lagos. Three objectives were raised which included: determine the relationship between mass media and promotion of good governance in Nigeria, Investigate the extent to which mass media has contributed to democratic governance in Nigeria and Propose certain ways of revamping/cubing the challenges facing mass media in promoting good governance in Nigeria.
. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Ikorodu local government council in Lagos. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the challenges of mass media in promoting good governance in Nigeria are numerous and complex. These challenges range from government control and censorship to lack of professional training and inadequate resources. However, despite these challenges, the media has a crucial role to play in ensuring good governance by holding leaders accountable and promoting transparency and accountability in government activities. To overcome these challenges, the media must strive to maintain its independence and objectivity, pursue professional training and development, and work together with civil society organizations to promote good governance in Nigeria. In essence, it is only through the collective efforts of the media, civil society, and government that Nigeria can achieve sustainable development and good governance.
Recommendation
Strengthening media independence: The Nigerian government needs to ensure that the media is independent and free from political influence. This can be achieved by guaranteeing press freedom, providing legal protection for journalists and their sources, and ensuring that media ownership is diverse and not dominated by political interests.
Capacity building: The media in Nigeria needs to be strengthened in terms of capacity building, training and development. This will enable journalists and media practitioners to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and tools to report effectively on issues of good governance.
Public education and awareness: There is a need for increased public education and awareness on the importance of good governance in Nigeria. The media can play a key role in this by reporting extensively on issues of governance, engaging citizens and creating platforms for dialogue and debate.
Collaboration and partnerships: The media needs to collaborate with civil society organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders in promoting good governance in Nigeria. Such partnerships can help to leverage resources, share knowledge, and increase impact.
Enhanced professionalism: The media in Nigeria needs to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and integrity. This requires the development of a robust regulatory framework, strict adherence to codes of conduct and ethics, and the establishment of effective mechanisms for accountability and transparency.
Technology and innovation: The media in Nigeria needs to leverage technology and innovation to promote good governance. This can be achieved through the use of social media, data journalism, mobile reporting, and other digital tools and platforms to engage citizens, report effectively and hold government accountable.
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