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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Repression of press freedom in Nigerian democratic dispensations
Author:Akinwale, Akeem AyofeISNI
Year:2010
Periodical:Africa Development: A Quarterly Journal of CODESRIA (ISSN 0850-3907)
Volume:35
Issue:3
Pages:47-70
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:freedom of the press
democracy
bill drafting
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/24484718
Abstract:The Nigerian sociopolitical environment influences press freedom with adverse implications for education, information, and surveillance. A theoretical recognition of the press as the 'fourth estate' connotes the capacity of the press to monitor the tiers of government (the legislature, the executive and the judiciary). However, the State monitors the press in Nigeria in a manner that negates the principle of the fourth estate. This article examines the repression of press freedom in Nigerian democratic dispensations. Using questionnaires and in-depth interviews, data were drawn from 440 members of staff of selected print and electronic press organizations in Lagos and Oyo states of Nigeria. The results show that although the press facilitates the development of democracy, challenges to press freedom are frequent. Respondents largely confirmed that the press keeps the public informed, entertained and enlightened, and it set standards and established values for public conduct. The findings show that the proposed Freedom of Information Bill (FIB) would empower the press and promote democracy in Nigeria if passed into law. Therefore, it is recommended that press organizations should pursue their professionalism and the ethics of journalism rather than succumb to sociopolitical forces influencing the quantity and quality of information made available to the public. Bibliogr., sum. in English and French. [Journal abstract]
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