The Role of Social Media in the Police Reformation in Aba, Abia State
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The primary aim of this study is to find out the role of social media in the police reformation in Nigeria: a case study of 2020 endsars protest. Specifically, the study seeks to:
- Find out how social media contributed to the 2020 EndSARS protest in Nigeria.
- To ascertain if social media played a significant role in the reformation of police in Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
In research, theory serves as a beacon that holds or supports a research study. Several definitions have been given to theory by scholars and communication experts. To Mc Quail (2009), a theory is a system of law-like propositions and a systematic set of ideas that can help make sense of a phenomenon, guide action or predict a consequence. In line with this work, “the influence of social media framing on audience perception of EndSARS agenda,” this work is anchored on three theories, namely: Framing theory, Social Category theory, and Technology Determinism theory.
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 the role of social media in the police reformation in Aba. 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 role of social media in the police reformation in Aba.
Summary
This study was on the role of social media in the police reformation in Aba. Three objectives were raised which included: Find out how social media contributed to the 2020 EndSARS protest in Nigeria and to ascertain if social media played a significant role in the reformation of police in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design and conveniently enrolled 80 participants in the study. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from residents in Aba. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
This study has shown that social media is not only for entertainment; rather it can be used to mobilize and effect social change in the society. The technology that drives social media keeps getting better and users increase daily especially the youths. The Aba incident that triggered the EndSARS agenda in Nigeria was organized on social media and the #EndSARS was the symbol across various social media platforms. Anchored on three communication theories namely; framing theory, social category theory and technology determinism theory. Findings from the study revealed that social media framing on EndSARS protest motivated the youths across the country to join the protest that lasted for two weeks. Also, the study found that social media framing contributed to the protest across the country and the EndSARS agenda projected the image of Nigeria police force in the negative. Finally, social media has come to stay and youths can rightly deploy it so that their voices can be heard.
Recommendation
Government and its agencies should investigate and sanction reports about them on social media platform.
Government should encourage its citizens to always speak up whenever there rights are infringed on through appropriate channels and various social media platforms.
Social media campaigns should be organized across social media platforms to help build a better image for the Nigeria Police Force.
References
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