The Role of the Median in Maintenance and Dispensation of Justice in Political Crisis in Nigeria
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The objective of this study is to examine the role of the media in maintaining and dispensing justice during political crises in Nigeria. Specifically, the study aims to:
- Investigate the extent to which the media serves as a watchdog in exposing corruption, electoral malpractice, and human rights abuses during political crises.
- Assess the challenges and constraints faced by journalists and media organizations in reporting on political crises.
- Explore the impact of media coverage on public perception, awareness, and understanding of political crises, as well as its influence on government responses and actions.
- Examine the effectiveness of legal and institutional frameworks in safeguarding media freedom, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and promoting accountability and transparency in times of crisis.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
OVERVIEW OF HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL CRISES IN NIGERIA.
Nigeria has a long history of political crises characterized by instability, governance challenges, and social unrest. These crises have been influenced by a combination of factors, including colonial legacies, ethnic and religious tensions, socioeconomic inequalities, and struggles for power and resources. Understanding the historical context of political crises in Nigeria is crucial for analyzing contemporary challenges and identifying opportunities for conflict resolution and democratic consolidation.
Nigeria’s pre-colonial history was marked by the existence of diverse ethnic groups and kingdoms, each with its own political structures and systems of governance. The colonial era, which began with British rule in the late 19th century, saw the imposition of a centralized administrative system that marginalized indigenous political institutions and exacerbated ethnic tensions (Omoruyi, 2015).
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960 but soon faced political instability and ethnic conflicts. The First Republic (1960-1966) witnessed power struggles between political parties and regional tensions, culminating in a series of coups and counter-coups that eventually led to the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) (Suberu, 2001). The war, fought primarily between the federal government and secessionist Biafra, resulted in significant loss of life and further deepened divisions within Nigerian society.
Military Rule and Democratization: Following the civil war, Nigeria experienced several decades of military rule characterized by authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses. The military regimes of leaders such as General Sani Abacha (1993-1998) were marked by repression of political opposition and civil society, leading to widespread protests and international condemnation (Osaghae, 1998).
The transition to civilian rule in 1999 heralded a new era of democracy, but Nigeria continued to grapple with political crises, including electoral fraud, corruption, and inter-ethnic violence. The 2007 and 2011 elections, in particular, were marred by irregularities and violence, undermining the credibility of the electoral process and exacerbating tensions (Mohammed, 2012).
In recent years, Nigeria has faced a range of contemporary political crises, including insurgency in the northeast by groups such as Boko Haram, clashes between herders and farmers in the Middle Belt, and secessionist agitation in the southeast by groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) (Obi, 2017). These crises have been exacerbated by issues such as poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and environmental degradation, posing significant challenges to national unity and stability.
The historical and contemporary political crises in Nigeria reflect complex dynamics of power, identity, and socioeconomic inequality. Addressing these challenges requires holistic approaches that address root causes, promote dialogue and reconciliation, and strengthen democratic institutions and governance structures. By learning from past experiences and engaging in constructive dialogue, Nigeria can work towards a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous future.
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.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the role of the median in maintenance and dispensation of justice in political crisis in Nigeria.. Ministry Of Justice Lagos form the population of the study.
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 the median in maintenance and dispensation of justice in political crisis 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 role of the median in maintenance and dispensation of justice in political crisis in Nigeria
Summary
This study was on the role of the median in maintenance and dispensation of justice in political crisis in Nigeria. Three objectives were raised which included: Investigate the extent to which the media serves as a watchdog in exposing corruption, electoral malpractice, and human rights abuses during political crises, Assess the challenges and constraints faced by journalists and media organizations in reporting on political crises, Explore the impact of media coverage on public perception, awareness, and understanding of political crises, as well as its influence on government responses and actions and Examine the effectiveness of legal and institutional frameworks in safeguarding media freedom, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and promoting accountability and transparency in times of crisis. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from ministry of justice, Lagos. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study has provided valuable insights into the role of the media in maintaining and dispensing justice during political crises in Nigeria. Through an examination of historical and contemporary cases, it is evident that the media serves as a crucial watchdog, exposing corruption, electoral malpractice, and human rights abuses. Despite facing challenges such as censorship, harassment, and violence, journalists and media organizations continue to play a vital role in informing the public, promoting accountability, and facilitating dialogue and reconciliation.
However, the study also highlights significant limitations and constraints faced by the media in Nigeria, including the need for greater protection of media freedom and independence. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from government, civil society, and international stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, transparency, and the rule of law.
Recommendations:
- The Nigerian government should take concrete steps to protect and promote media freedom, including enacting laws to safeguard journalists’ rights, preventing censorship, and holding accountable those who threaten or attack journalists.
- There is a need to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks to ensure the independence of the judiciary, uphold the rule of law, and promote accountability in times of crisis. This includes reforms to improve access to justice, address impunity, and combat corruption within the judicial system.
- Government agencies, international organizations, and civil society groups should provide training, resources, and legal support to journalists and media organizations operating in Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected areas or areas with high levels of political repression.
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