ASSESSMENT
OF THE ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN IN NIGERIA
BY
DEEDENWII,
BARITURE NEELE
(ND,
D.CL)
Tel:
+234-7012543482 or +234-9050517580
Abstract
The study
appraisal the impact of mass media as instrument for eradicating corruption
using Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, as a case study. Without
doubt mass media play as very crucial role as the fourth estate of the realm
especially in serving as the major watch dog to the people in authority. Mass
media especially television has been able to educate, enlightening and
informing the general public on the effect of corruption on our national
development while mass media have not relented in exposing corrupt leaders and
society in its entity, the media always partners with various anti graft
agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC and the Nigerian Police to build a corrupt free
nation, Nigeria. However, the research is divided into five chapters. The
researcher used survey method and questionnaire in gathering data.
Key
Words:
BACKGROUND
TO THE STUDY
The destructive impact
of corruption in the live of nations throughout the world is acknowledged.
Corruption is perhaps the most important factor that is impeding the
accelerated socio-economic and political transformation of developing or Less
Developing Countries (LDCs) of the world. In fact, it is recognized by
development scholars that the level of reduction in corruption has a very
direct link to the level of economic development of nations in the world.
The media and Civil
Society groups have been identified as the two very important weapons to fight
the scourge of corruption worldwide. In Nigeria, the independent press, by
which we refer to the newspapers and the newsmagazines, have been actively
involved in checking the excesses of governments and as well as others in
positions of authorities.
The most focused and
far-reaching war against corruption in Nigeria could be said to have started
during the regime of the erstwhile president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun
Obasanjo especially with the establishment of the two Anti-graft bodies; The
Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The establishment of
the two bodies provided great impetus for the press to perform the
constitutionally ordained role of effectively watching over the activities of
the government so as to ensure efficient survive delivery. Despite the strident
criticism that the war was biased and the agencies were being used to
witch-hunt enemies of the government, the press still provided great support to
the anti-graft agencies in its activities.
A search through
Nigerian Newspapers and Magazines in the last nine years of new democratic
experiment show that corruption and corruption related matters are among issues
that take up sizeable percentage of spaces available in newspapers and news
magazines. Major Nigerian Newspapers usually carry between five to ten
corruption related new stories per edition. Most of editorial opinions and news
features also deal with issues of fighting the scourge of corruption and
enthroning transparency in government businesses.
STATEMENT
OF THE PROBLEM
Since the inauguration
of EFCC and ICPC as an anti graft agents by the ACT 2000. It has ever been
saddled with the responsibility of preventing and fighting corruption. However,
much have been heard about EFCC and ICPC but little has been reported about
those that have been prosecuted since 2000 and suspects on their watch list on
a regular basis.
Many also see EFCC and
ICPC as tools in hand of ruling party to hand pick their opposition and to
oppress. Similarly, little is known about various money and other recoveries
made by the EFCC and ICPC therefore, this research intent to x-ray the role
expected of mass media in reporting and disseminating the activities of EFCC
and other anti graft agencies.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main objective of
the study is to assess the role of mass media in anti-corruption campaign in
Nigeria, specifically other objectives are;
1
To know whether there is a report on
corrupt activities in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
2
To examine media educative and
enlightenment programme on corruption within the area.
3
To study challenges facing corrupt
activities of the Nigerian leaders.
4
To know if mass media have reduced
corruption in Nigeria.
5
To examine the extent in which ownership
influence can affect the media in
reporting on corruption.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The
research questions to guide the study are;
1
Is there any report on corrupt
activities in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State?
2
Has there been media educative and
enlightenment programme on corruption within the area?
3
What are the challenges facing the
corrupt activities of the Nigerian
leaders?
4
Has mass media functions reduced
corruption in Nigeria in any way?
5
To what extent does media ownership
influence reporting on corrupt activities in Nigeria?
SIGNIFICANCE
OF THE STUDY
The research findings
will benefit not only the mass communication students but also benefit media
practitioners on how they can use their media to fight corruption. It will also
enable government the need to give press enough freedom to perform their day to
day activities.
SCOPE
OF THE STUDY
The study is concerned
with the assessment of the role of the mass media in anti-corruption campaign.
It is restricted to Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
Mass Media
Mass Media Can be explained as a means or
channels through which messages or information are transferred or disseminate
to a wider and larger heterogeneous audience who are residing in a diverse
location such channels is usually categorized into two I.e. electronic or
broadcast media represented by the radio and television while the print media
is represented by newspapers and magazine. Akinfeleye (2003). Mass media is the
transmission through space by means of radio frequencies of signals capable of
being received either aurally or both aurally and visually including printing
paper by the general public” (Chester et al, 1963 cited in Nwanwene, 1995:2). Mass media are grouped
into two Print and broadcast.
Print Media
Newspaper-
This is a daily record of events. It is a journal that reports daily
occurrences. It is published and circulated daily. According to Section2 of the
Newspaper Act of 1958, A Newspaper can be defined as any paper containing
public news, intelligence or any remarks, observations and comments, thereon
printed for sale and published. Ukozor. (2003).
Magazine-
This is a paper covered periodicals containing stories, articles,
advertisements, photographs and others illustrations supplied by writers and
other for publication. It should be noted that both Newspaper and Magazine are
Print Media. If to analyze according to the history of the Print Media or Print
Journalism, print journalism started in Great Britain in the 1620s when
correspondent were employed by some English countrymen to inform them about
various event and court cases going on in London. Information were made
available through letters once a week, the letters were known as “News Letter”
Ogunsiji (1989). He further explained that those print media seem to have begun
in the Netherlands and Germany. Infant, the earlier Newspaper industry in
Germany was reportedly traced to 1609.
History of Print Media
in Nigeria
The history of print
journalism in Nigeria can be dated back to 1846 when the Presbyterian Mission
established a printing press in Calabar to raise literacy level and enhance
acquisition of knowledge.
Also in 1854, Henry
Townsend, a missionary installed a printing press in Abeokuta and established a
print school along with it .In 1859, Townsend produced what is generally
regarded as the first Nigerian Newspaper known as “Iwe Iroyin”. The English
Edition started in 1860. As time goes on, it carried Advertisement before it
folded up in 1867.
Through the advent of
the missionary paper, people were enlighten and after it folded up others
people begun. It should be noted that Magazine business is a more recent
development in Nigeria when compared to the introduction of the Newspaper on
December 3, 1859 by Henry Townsend of the Anglican Mission in Abeokuta.
Early Magazine in
Nigeria came more into focus in the second half of the 20th century
especially with the publication of such magazine such as Spear and Drum among
other by the Daily Times of Nigeria [DTN] Ukozor (2003).
Meaning
of Broadcasting
This explains
why Mgbejume (1985:1) defined broadcasting as “the spreading or scattering of
news, entertainment or any other programmes over a wide area with many propels
simultaneously receiving the transmuted programmes in their homes television,
radio set”.
Also, Folarin writes
that broadcasting is “the planned provision of information education and
entertainment to a large and heterogeous audience through the medium radio and
television. The new dimension enunciated by Folarin is that broadcasting
messages are sent and received only by radio.
Odetoyinbo (2001:5), he
asserts that broadcasting is an act of “giving out, sharing or transmission of
information or sages through an electronic device.
According to Ajetunmobi
and Oyediran (2004:74) broadcasting is simply “the planned provision of
information, education and entertainment to large and heterogeneous audiences
through the medium of radio and television”.
The world planned
according to this scholar implied that the information, education and
entertainment are provided repeatedly at scheduled time in prescribed formats.
Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and video content to a dispersed
audience via any audio or visual mass communications medium, but usually one
using electromagnetic radiation (radio waves). The receiving parties may
include the general public or a relatively large subset thereof. Broadcasting
has been used for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of
messages, experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication such as
amateur (ham) radio and amateur television (ATV) in addition to commercial purposes
like popular radio or TV stations with advertisements. (www.wikipedia.com/broadcast).
Historical
Development of Broadcasting Media in Nigeria
The growth of radio
took different patterns in different countries from 1920. In tropical Africa, Broadcasting began in the
early 1930s. The initial aim was to
provide a service for the European population living in Africa. The BBC provided this service which was
intended to establish some link between the United Kingdom and her colonies.
In 1932, the station,
(BBC) started the world’s first regular scheduled short wave services: It was popularly called the empire service
(Okoye: 2008), it made use of a number of monitoring centers overseas. Those centers, one of which was located in
Lagos, became the ear and eye of the BBC.
The center did not broadcast its own programmes. They relied on the re-broadcasting of the
programmes of BBC. Programmes were carried
by wires on wooden poles from the monitoring stations to re – diffusion boxes
in subscriber’s homes. It was a “wired”
rather than a “wireless” system of broadcasting.
This practice continued
until 1951 when Nigeria Broadcasting Service (NBS) was established. This marked the beginning of a rather slow
production of Nigerian programmes and employment of Nigerians as staff in the
country.
Onabanjo (2000), has it
that on 1st, April 1957; Nigerian Broadcasting Service was used to replace the
Nigeria Broadcasting Service which was seen merely as the colonial government’s
megaphone. This was to address the issue
raised against the former organization (NBS) and to shield it from government
interference and the propaganda of the view of the ruling political party. In
1954, the centralization of broadcasting was thrown out of the constitution and
the response of the regions was to establish broadcasting stations of their
own. Regional broadcasting stations started springing up in the late 1950’s
starting with the western region in 1959 and followed by other regions.
After the creating of
states, each state intends to establish its own radio station, an aspiration
which was successful. These state -owned
radio stations are independent of the federal government NBS which was changed
to Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, (FRCN) in 1978. They produce their own programmes, but are
required to hook up with the Network service of the FRCN during the
transmission of some programmes especially Network news. (Onabanjo, 2000:8-14).
Functions of Broadcasting Media
Broadly speaking, radio
and television as a broadcast media share the same roles or functions with
other forms of mass media such as newspaper, magazine etc. Hence we will look at the roles of mass media
as posited by Okenwa (2000); in examining the functions of the media, he
examined three distinct approaches;
Conventional
Approach;
Here, he outlined the
following as the roles of the media.\
v To inform
v To educate
v To entertain
v Surveillance
v Cultural transmission
v Socialization
Media
Functions Emanating from the Cultural Norms Theory.
This theory provides
the basis for much criticism of the media for their purported harmful
effects. The cultural norms theory
postulates that the mass media through selective presentation and emphasis of
certain themes create impressions among the audience that common cultural norms
concerning that emphasized topics are structured or defined in specific ways.
According to the
theory, the media can potentially influence behaviour by;
v Reinforcing
existing norms
v Creating
new norms
v Modifying
existing norms
Developmental
Functions of the Media
According to him,
Schram (1964) in what may be classified as the best known relationship between
the mass media and national development in the 1960’s listed ‘12’ things which
the mass media can do in the task of national development l. These 12 tasks have come to be regarded as
development function of the mass media.
They include: -
v To widen
horizons
v To focus
attention
v To raise
aspiration
v To create a
climate for development
v To help change
strongly held attitude or values
v To feed the
interpersonal channel
v To confer status
v Broaden policy
dialogue
v Enforce social
norms
v Form taste
v Affect attitudes
v Help education
and training – (pp 20-243)
In his own approach,
Onabanjo (2001) was more specific; hence, he identified a number of roles of
radio broadcasting in Nigeria, to be the following;
v Radio
is the singular medium that is most effective for mass mobilization
v It
plays the role of mass education
v It
could serve as instrument for formal education; as was experienced by Radio
Nigeria in the 1960’s and early 1970’s.
v Radio
plays the role of cultural innovation on diffusion
v Radio
disseminates information fast
v It
plays the role of entertainment using music and drama etc.
Corruption
Defined
According to wikipedia,
corruption is coined from the Latin word “corruptus” which in essence means ‘to
destroy. The free encyclopaedia offered that Corruption is essentially an
impairment of integrity, virtue or moral principle; depravity, decay, and/or an
inducement to wrong by improper or unlawful means, a departure from the
original or from what is pure or correct, and/or an agency or influence that
corrupts. The Encyclopaedia listed different types of corruption. Two types
relevant to this paper are;
Institutional
Corruption: As corrupt actions or policies within
an organization that break the law, serve to subjugate humans in unlawful
manners, discriminate against humans based upon race, ethnicity, culture, or
orientation, or serve to degrade other humans or groups for that institution's
own profit; and
Political
Corruption: As the dysfunction of a political
system or institution in which government officials, political officials or
employees seek illegitimate personal gain through actions such as bribery,
extortion, cronyism, nepotism, patronage, graft, and embezzlement. Political
corruption is a specific form of rent seeking; where access to politics is
organized with limited transparency, limited competition and directed towards
promoting narrow interests (rent seeking is not to be confused with property
rental).
Corruption,
Media and Development
It is true that
corruption is a worldwide phenomenon, elements of corruption are found in
almost all countries of the world. However, it must be said that the incidences
of corruption are much more prevalent in developing countries like Nigeria.
As noted by Anderson,
James H. et al (1999) in ‘The Impact of Corruption on the Poor in Transition
Countries’, "The conditions of these countries are such that corruption is
likely to have different causes and consequences than in more developed
countries. The socio-economic conditions in low income countries are more
conducive to the growth of corruption. Corruption is a symptom of deep-rooted
economic and political weaknesses and shortcomings in the legislative and
judicial system of the country. To aggravate the situation, accountability in
these countries is generally weak, the chances of being caught are small and
the penalties when caught are light".
The inference is that
it is almost impossible for the LDCs or Low Income Country to join the league
of developed nations if corruption is not effectively tackled. In a corrupt
system, characteristics such as infrastructural decay, lack of patriotism, subjugation
of collective interests, improper implementation of policies and programmes and
a disconnect between vision and its realization are prevalent. So, for Nigeria
hoping to become one of the 20 most developed economies in the world by the
year 2020, the fight against corruption must be one of the topmost priorities
of the Government at all levels.
Instructively, it has
been noted by scholars that the position of Nigeria as the sixth largest
exporter of oil in the world is a big contradiction to the unacceptable level
of poverty and squalor in the land. Indeed, the major reason for this sorry
level of the nation’s development could be easily traced to the high incidence
of corruption in the country.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga,
Editor-in-Chief of The News and PM News noted recently that in many studies
conducted on Nigeria, corruption has been found to be the greatest problem
militating against the nation’s social and economic progress.
Awoonor-Gordon O. R.,
editor PEEP Newsletter Online, a Sierra Leone's news and satirical magazine, is
however of the opinion that the media in developing countries have a special
task of explaining to the people the link between corruption and their present
state of backwardness and under-development.
He also reiterated the
need to educate and inform those in control of the nation's resources as to the
correct way resources must be allocated and disbursed.
Role
of the Press in Modern Society
McQuail (1994) says
press today serves as the “eyes and ears” of society. as a result of the gathering,
processing and dissemination of the news, according to him, the publics come to
comprehend, in greater or lesser degree, an agenda of topics summarizing what
is has happened in their community, region, nation, and the world.
McQuail (2000) in summary,
manes the following set of basic ideas about media tasks (functions) in
society.
Information:
v Providing
information about events and conditions in society and the world;
v Indicating
relations of power
v Facilitating
innovation, adaptation and progress.
Correlation
v Explaining,
interpreting and commenting on the meaning of events and information;
v Providing
support for established authority and norms;
v Socializing;
v Co-coordinating
separate activities;
v Consensus
building;
v Setting
orders of priority and signaling relative status
Continuity
v Expressing
the dominant culture and recognizing subcultural developments
v Forging
and maintaining commonality of values.
Entertainment
v Providing
amusement, diversion and the means of
relaxation,
v Reducing
social tension.
Mobilization
v Campaigning
for societal objectives in the sphere of politics, war, economic development,
work and sometimes religion.
The power of the media
in modern society cannot be over-emphasized in view of the need for integration
in modern world due to industrialization and urbanization.
The role of the press
has always been a controversial issue depending on whether that society is
authoritarian or democratic or communist or libertarian. Opinions differ and
vary as to the specific role of the journalist in the society.
Many journalist and
hardened critics are of the view that journalist could only be considered good
and proper if it keep the government or administration on its toes with spate
of criticisms. Such school of thought takes are from the famous American
journalist, Joseph Pulitzer, in his newspaper Missouri post dispatch; Pulitzer
declared that his paper will not support the administration but criticize it.
This idea of Pulitzer, however, becomes the underlying basis of journalism in
the advanced countries.
Another point in the
western concept is that the press should be free from state control and
ownership as against or as opposed to the accepted credo of the eastern world
judging from the behaviour of many newspaper people are driven to the
conclusion that whether the public want it or not, the mass media organization
themselves have come to believes that, blind criticism of those in authority
will sell their newspaper mush better than a rational policy.
Brief
History of Economic and Financial Crime Commission
The Economics and
Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) was established during the first regime of
the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, by an act of parliament on 13th
December, 2002. The commission has far reaching function and power which cut
across crime involving advance fee fraud, money laundering, counterfeit,
illegal charge transfer, future market fraud and contract scam among others.
The commission composed
of chairman, who is the chief executive and accounting chairman, the governor
of central bank or his representative, a representative of each of the
following federal ministries not below the rank of director, foreign affairs,
finance, justice, the chairman national drug law enforcement agency (NDLEA);
The director general of the national Intelligence agency, the department of
state security services; the director central securities and exchange
commission. The commissioner for insurance, the postmaster general of Nigeria
of service; the chairman national communication commission; the controller
general. A custom services; representative of the Nigeria, police, not below
the rank of an (IGP) inspector general of police; four eminent Nigerians with
cognate experience in any of following-finance, banking or accounting and a
director general who shall be the head ministration of the members of the
commission, other than the chairman and the directorial shall be part-time
members.
The
Economic and Financial Crime Commission Mission Statement
The EFCC will curb the
menace of the corruption that constitute the clog in the wheel of progress,
protects national and foreign investment in the country; imbue the spirit of
hardwork in the citizenry and discourage ill-gotten wealth; identify illegally acquired
wealth and confiscate it; build and upright workforce in both public and
private sector to the global war against financial crime.
Mass
Media as tool for Effective War Against Corruption
The World
Anti-corruption Watchdog, The Transparency International, reported in its
recent anti-corruption handbook (2001) that a free and independent media is one
of the principal vehicles for informing the public about corrupt activity. TI
noted that by investigating and reporting on corruption, the media provides an
important counterpoint to the abuse of entrusted power for private gain,
shedding light on the wrongdoings of public office holders and corporate
executives alike. As such, it significantly contributes to the basis of
knowledge with which citizens can hold both public and private institutions to
account.
However, for the media
to effectively discharge these important duties as indicated above and wage a
successful war against corruption, it must necessarily be armed with the tools
and ingredients of the profession.
Independence of the
media is not only desirable but a very important factor in the fight against
corruption. The Political leadership of a nation desirous of fighting
corruption must ensure that legislations are put in place to ensure free and
unfettered press. This also explains why the national assembly must pass the
Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill without delay. A media that is to be in
vanguard of enthroning corruption free society must also not be encumbered by
Ownership, Political and economic interests.
Journalists must be
well kitted with adequate Investigative Journalism skills in order to navigate
the complex web of highly sophisticated corruption crimes. Since corruption
perpetrators are more often than not the highly positioned individuals,
journalists must have the necessary training to obtain facts and figures to
blow whistle on corrupt practices. The World Bank Institute should be commended
in this regard. It is reported that the Institute apart from helping countries
design and implement anti-corruption programs, has for some years now through
its Governance and Finance Division (WBIGF) been facilitating investigative
journalism workshops in Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and more recently,
in Latin America and South Asia.
Journalism obviously
requires lots of financial and human resources to function. Media workers must
be adequately remunerated to get the best from them and to reduce the
possibilities of their being compromised. Media Practitioners are very
vulnerable to attacks from people who will want to prevent them from reporting
certain occurrence when they perceive such occurrence as capable of affecting
their political and business interests negatively. Many journalists have been
killed or maimed in the course of their duties; some have been threatened into
self censorship. Those reporting corruptions are especially in danger of
various forms of attacks and threats. Adequate protection from law enforcement
agencies must exist to protect the journalists and to create a conducive
atmosphere for freedom of expression to flourish.
Closely related is
Adequate Legal Framework under which journalists perform there roles. Existence
of draconian laws can also impede the performance of their duties. One will
recall the sad effects of the obnoxious Decree Number 4 of 1984 under the
regime of Buhari/Idiagbon military junta. Such laws curtailing freedom of
expression will not allow free flow of information and will greatly impede the
media war against corruption and related offences.
Impact
of Mass Media in Reducing Corruption in Nigeria
According to
Transparent International Report 2011, The most focused and far-reaching war
against corruption in Nigeria could be said to have started during the regime
of the earstwhile president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo especially with
the establishment of the two Anti-graft bodies; The Independent Corrupt
Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC). The establishment of the two bodies provided great
impetus for the press to perform the constitutionally ordained role of
effectively watching over the activities of the government so as to ensure
efficient service delivery.
Despite the strident
criticism that the war was biased and the agencies were being used to
witch-hunt enemies of the government, the press still provided great support to
the antigraft agencies in its activities.
A search through
Nigerian Newspapers and Magazines in the last nine years of new democratic experiment
show that corruption and corruption related matters are among issues that take
up sizeable percentage of spaces available in newspapers and news magazines.
Major Nigerian Newspapers usually carry between five to ten corruptions related
new stories per edition. Most of editorial opinions and news features also deal
with issues of fighting the scourge of corruption and enthroning transparency
in government businesses.
News Magazines such as
The News and Tell and some newspapers including The Guardian, the Nation,
Punch, Tribune, Vanguard, This Day and indeed virtually all Nigeria’s
independent dailies have been in the fore front of exposing corruption in high
places through, obtaining hard facts through painstaking investigative
journalism.
The effect of the
relentless media war on corruption in Nigeria was the report by the Transparent
International (TI) that Nigeria has improved noticeably in its Corruption
Perception Index (CPI). Latest report of the TI, the global CPI 2008 indicated
that, Nigeria ranked 121 out of 180 countries surveyed by TI, moving seven
points up and obtained a score of 2.7 out of a possible 10. Nigeria also ranked
22nd out of the 47 countries. This is an improvement compared to 148 position
in 2007 and 153 in 2006 out of 180.
Some of the various
ways the print media have contributed to the fight against corruption and their
effects of are examined below as analysed by
http/www.time.com/Nigeria/newspaper printout/011155/9010414/oohtma:
1
News
Reports and Analysis: The Nigerian news media, especially
the Print Media have been unrelenting in carrying news reports on corruption
and related matters. In fact, this is the most important way the press has
helped in the anticorruption crusade. Through collaboration with the anti graft
and other law enforcement agencies, the press has exposed corruption by many
highly and lowly placed officials. Such reports in the press have led to
removal, resignation and prosecution of highly placed officials including the
former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, the former Senate
President, Adulphus Wabara with former Minister Prof. Fabian Osuji and
officials of the Federal Ministry of Education on the N50 milllion
bribe-for-budget scandai , former Speaker Mrs Patricia Olubunmi Etteh on house
refurbishing deal, former Ministers (Prof Grange and Mr. Gabriel Aduku) and
officials of The Federal Ministry of Health on the N300 milllion unspent
allocation and many more. Although, the daughter of the former President
Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello accused along with the health Ministry officials
is still functioning as a Senator, she is also charged to court. Several of the
immediate past state governors and ministers are already being prosecuted while
many others past and serving are still under investigation.
2
Whistle
Blowing: The press has also helped in unearthing corruption
through investigative reporting thereby prompting anti graft agencies to launch
investigation into such matters. A ready example is the allegation of financial
impropriety levelled against the former Deputy National Chairman of the ruling
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman. He was alleged to have spearheaded a
monumental mismanagement of the funds of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) when
he was chairman of the authority. Although the investigation was conducted and
concluded by EFCC under earstwhile Chairman of EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, it is
doubtful if the report could see the light of the day given the closeness of
the accused to the seat of power, if not for the exposure of the investigation
and its conclusions by The News Magazine and related reports by many other news
media. Another very relevant case is the allegation of secret telephone
conversation against Chairman Justice Thomas Naron and members of the Osun
State First Elections Tribunal who were said to be involved in secret telephone
conversation with one of the counsels in the matter before them. This is
regarded as illegal, unethical and a gross misconduct in administration of
justice. With the report, The News Magazine has opened a new window in
investigative journalism from the angle of advantages offered by the GSM
technology. The case is currently being investigated by the EFCC and other
security agencies.
3
Reinforcement
of Anti Graft Values: The press, through the consistent
reports and news analysis on anti corruption issues has helped in reinforcing
values of honesty and integrity in the society. The press has constituted
itself to a positive force which has etched anti-corruption crusade in the
consciousness of the people. Of course, corruption could not be said to have
reduced drastically as there are dearth of ready statistics to support this, It
could however be said that anti-corruption issues have been brought into the
front burner of national discuss.
4
Corruption
Deterrent: The very consciousness among the people that there
exists a vibrant press that is ever watching to report corruption could be a
deterrent to corruption inclined officials and individuals. Transparency
International noted recently that "A tradition of hard-hitting
investigative journalism may, for instance, place an indirect check on
corruption that might otherwise take place in the absence of informed public
debate".
5
Generation
and Sustenance of Public Support for Anti-Corruption Agencies:
A symbiotic relationship often exists between the press and the anti-graft
agencies, is the ICPC and the EFCC. While the press depends on the agencies’
reports and findings to put together juicy, and often dramatic news reports,
the agencies also enjoy adequate public presence and coverage. The reports of
activities of the agencies has mobilised support for them and their officers to
the extent that they are now seen as heroes and heroines of some sort. The
widespread concern that is attending the current travails of Mallam Nuhu
Ribadu, the erstwhile Chairman of the EFCC attests to this.
6
Partnership
with Civil Society Groups: The constant exposure of corruption
by the Nigerian printed press has emboldened increasing number of the Civil
Society Groups in the country to join and identify with the anti graft war. The
reports in the media about corruption have provided these groups with the
needed tools to demand prosecution of leaders perceived as corrupt and to
demand greater transparency in government businesses.
7
Identification
of Areas of Possible Corruption: The print media in
recent years has also been proactive in identifying questionable and
unexplained wealth of leaders thereby arousing public interest and concern. It
is true that such cases may not be currently under any investigation but it is
a veritable reference material for future investigations into such matters.
Some government officials and leading Politicians who have acquired properties
far above their earnings are being exposed regularly by the Nigerian Press.
8
Sustenance
of Anti Corruption Momentum: The adequate and
unrelenting reporting of corruption and activities of anti-corruption agencies
have been sustaining the fight against graft. In fact many ordinary Nigerians
believe that, if not for the watchdog role of the press, the anti-graft
momentum may have died down. Another way the press has been sustaining the war
is the unearthing of anti graft cases which would have been buried.
Journalists, especially columnists’ usually make frequent reference to such
cases and in a way putting pressure on anti-graft agencies to revisit the case
and commence prosecution. A case that comes to mind is that of former NPA
chairman referred to earlier.
9
Role
of Media to combat Corruption in Nigeria: Some of the
various ways the mass media has contributed to the fight against corruption and
its effects are examined below as analyzed by:
10
Surveillance
and Uncover of Areas of Possible Corruption: The print media
in recent years has also been proactive in identifying questionable and
unexplained wealth of leaders thereby arousing public interest and concern. It
is true that such cases may not be currently under any investigation but it is
a veritable reference material for future investigations into such matters.
Some government officials and leading Politicians who have acquired properties
far above their earnings are being exposed regularly by the Nigerian Press.
11
News
Reports and Analysis: The Media has been unrelenting in
carrying news reports on corruption and related matters. In fact, this is the
most important way the press has helped in the anticorruption crusade. Through
collaboration with the anti graft and other law enforcement agencies, the press
has exposed corruption by many highly and lowly placed officials. Such reports
in the press have led to removal, resignation and prosecution of highly placed
officials including the former Senate President, Adulphus Wabara with former
Minister Prof. Fabian Osuji and officials of the Federal Ministry of Education
on the N50 milllion bribe-for-budget scandal, former Speaker Mrs Patricia
Olubunmi Etteh on house refurbishing deal.
12
Thorough
Investigation: The mass media has also helped in
unearthing corruption through investigative reporting thereby prompting anti-graft
agencies to launch investigation into such matters. A ready example is the
allegation of financial impropriety leveled against the Chairman Justice Thomas
Naron and members of the Osun State First Elections Tribunal who were said to
be involved in secret telephone conversation with one of the counsels in the
matter before them. This is regarded as illegal, unethical and a gross
misconduct in administration of justice. With the report, The News Magazine has
opened a new window in investigative journalism from the angle of advantages
offered by the GSM technology. The case is currently being investigated by the
EFCC and other security agencies.
13
Educate
and Enlighten the Public on Anti-Corruption Agencies:
A symbiotic relationship often exists between the press and the anti-graft
agencies, is the ICPC and the EFCC. While the press depends on the agencies’
reports and findings to put together juicy, and often dramatic news reports,
the agencies also enjoy adequate public presence and coverage. The reports of
activities of the agencies has mobilised support for them and their officers to
the extent that they are now seen as heroes and heroines of some sort. The
widespread concern that is attending the current travails of Mallam Nuhu
Ribadu, the erstwhile Chairman of the EFCC attests to this.
14
Collaboration
and Partnership with Stakeholders: The mass media have
through its programme partnered with concern bodies in curbing corruption. The constant exposure of corruption by
the Nigerian media has emboldened increasing number of the Civil Society Groups
in the country to join and identify with the anti graft war. The reports in the
media about corruption have provided these groups with the needed tools to demand
prosecution of leaders perceived as corrupt and to demand greater transparency
in government businesses.
15 Enhancing Anti Graft Values: The
mass media, through the consistent reports and news analysis on anti corruption
issues has helped in reinforcing values of honesty and integrity in the
society. It has constituted itself to a positive force which has etched
anti-corruption crusade in the consciousness of the people. Of course,
corruption could not be said to have reduced drastically as there are dearth of
ready statistics to support this, It could however be said that anti-corruption
issues have been brought into the front burner of national discuss.
Theoretical
Framework
This study is anchored
on agenda setting theory of mass communication. The theory is apt in the sense
that media are powerful in their ability to create awareness on new ideas.
Agenda
Setting Theory
Mc combrand Shaw (1972)
who first carried out a research into the agenda setting hypothesis of the
media point out that. “In choosing and displaying news, editors and newsroom
staffs and broadcasters play an important role in shaping political
reality”. Reader learn not only about a
given issue alone but also how much importance attributed to such issue from
amount of information in news story and its position”
The theory also
maintains that the mass media may not be particularly successful in telling
people what to think but they are stunningly successful in telling them new
information. The theory came about on how individual learn to participate in
political process. What they think of, use and misuse of power, law and
other. It focuses community media
(Radio, TV, Newspaper or magazine) must ensure and understandable communication
between the people and the media. This is what media does to interact with the
people on what they value, what is important to them.
The theory serves as an
instrument that is used by the media to empower the people of the community and
ensure that the people are the once that are actually setting the agenda in the
community. In localizing the information to be disseminated by the community
newspaper, the journalist must understand the people very well as well as the
geographical setting. It is also important for the journalist to known what are
important to them. Therefore, the local news must be communicated with the
language that will be understood by the whole community to ensure effective
communication.
Also, the culture and
way of life of the people in the community must be considered. A community
media that does not respect or portray the value of a community is gradually
running away from the support of the people of her community, which is
detriment to its survival.
Assumption
of Agenda Setting Theory
The two basic
assumption underline in Agenda setting theory are:
1. The
press and the media do not reflect reality: They filter and shape information
before reflecting it to the publics i.e. through the gate keeping process some
important information in the original copy of the news copy would have being missing
for the one reason or the other.
2. Media
concentrate on a few issues and subjects leading the people to perceive those
issues as more important as others: According to Kurt and Glandy the media can
force attention to certain issues. They build up publics images of political
figures, that are why agenda setting theory can be referred to as political
socialism theory.
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research
Design
According to Oxford
Advance Learner Dictionary, survey is an investigation of the opinions or
experience of a group of people, based on a series of questions.
The survey method on
the basis of self administered questionnaire would be used for this study. This
method is appropriate since the study is based on a critical look concerning
how new information and communication technology has gone in revolutionalizing
the existing mass media. It is also the most suitable method to gather a vast
number of data since it makes data arrangement and computation less cumbersome
to computer. It is also the most suitable research method for this study.
Population
of the Study
Asika (1991) assess
population of the study as a census of all items or subject that possess the
characteristics, or that have knowledge of the phenomenon being study. The
population of the study is Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State,
Nigeria.
Sample
and Sampling Techniques
This is the selection
of part, portion, class or group from a relatively large population to
represent it (Ezeja E. 2005). However, for the purpose of this work, the sample
sizes of 100 will be selected from the population. One hundred respondents will
be drawn from Khana Local Government Area and will be drawn using simple random
sampling technique.
Development
of Research Instrument
One hundred (100)
respondents will be drawn from Khana LGA. The LGA will be divided into five
sections, of which 20 respondents will be drawn from each section, respectively
using simple random sampling technique. The technique will give every member of
the population equal chance of been selected.
Validation and
Reliability of Instrument
Since
the data collection instrument (questionnaire) is a standard instrument of
gathering data, it will give accurate and unbiased data for effect and
efficient analysis. Therefore, any generalization that may be arrived at will
be regathered as accurate and genuine.
Administration
of Instrument
The method of data
collection for this study will be one on one or interpersonal administration of
the questionnaire by the researcher. It will seek the consent of the selected
local government and distribute questionnaires for immediate or later
collection.
The measuring
instrument used in collecting data is questionnaire. The questionnaire would
cover the postulated research questions as in chapter one (1). Open ended and
closed ended questions should be included in the questionnaire.
Method
of Data Analysis
The data collected for
this study will use simple statistics with the use of percentage and
diagrammatical analysis. This technique is so chosen for its affordability of
simplicity of data and conformity with social science research as well as
quantitative research strategy, which is the cardinal approach of this kind of
study.
4.0 DATA
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
Data
Analysis
The objective of this
chapter is to analyze and interpret the responses given in the returned
questionnaires that were distributed. It would also guide us to the conclusion
of this study and be used to give recommendations through the research
findings.
It should be noted that
out of the one hundred (100) questionnaires distributed, ninety (90) were
retrieved upon which the analysis and interpretation would revolved.
Table 1: Distribution of
Respondents By Age
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
20-25
|
10
|
11%
|
|
26-30
|
20
|
22.2%
|
|
31-35
|
40
|
44.4%
|
|
36-40
|
15
|
16.7%
|
|
41 and above
|
5
|
5.6%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
From the age distribution above, 10 respondents representing 11% were within
20-25 age brackets, 20 respondents representing 22.2% fall within 26-30 age, 40
respondents representing 44.4% were within 31-35 age brackets, 15 respondents
representing 16.7% fall within the age range of 36-40, 5 respondents
representing 5.6% were within age of 41 year and above.
TABLE 2: Distribution of Respondents by Marital
Status
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
SINGLE
|
25
|
27.8%
|
|
MARRIED
|
65
|
72.2%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100
%
|
Analysis:
From the marital status table above, 25 respondents representing 27.8% were
single, 65 respondents representing 72.2% were married. It is obvious that
respondents who were married were more than the single.
TABLE 3: Distribution of
Respondents by Sex
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Male
|
50
|
55.6%
|
|
Female
|
40
|
44.4%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
The table above indicates that, 50 respondents representing 55.6% were male
while 40 respondents representing 44.4% were female. Therefore, male
respondents are than female respondent.
TABLE 4: Distribution of
Respondents by Academic Qualification
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
OND/NCE
|
25
|
27.8%
|
|
BSC/ HND
|
50
|
55.6%
|
|
MSC AND ABOVE
|
15
|
16.7%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
The table above shows that 25 respondents representing 27.8% were holders of
OND/NCE, 50 respondents representing 55.6% were holders of BSC/HND, 15
respondents representing 16.7% were holders of M.sc. and above.
TABLE
7: Are
you aware of corrupt practices in Nigeria?
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Yes
|
80
|
89%
|
|
No
|
10
|
11%
|
|
No idea
|
0
|
0%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
The table above indicates that, 80 respondents representing 89% are aware of
corrupt practices in Nigeria while 10 respondents representing 11% does not
aware
TABLE
8: Do you give prominence to news relating to corruption by the media?
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Yes
|
60
|
66.7%
|
|
No
|
10
|
11%
|
|
No idea
|
20
|
22.2%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
The table above indicates that, 60 respondents representing 89% said give
prominence to news relating to corruption by the media, 10 respondents
representing 11% said it does not while 20 respondents representing 22.2% have
no idea.
Table
9: To
what extent does mass media report corrupt activities in Nigeria?
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Large Extent
|
55
|
61%
|
|
Some Extent
|
30
|
33.3%
|
|
Not at all
|
5
|
5.6%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
The table above indicates that, 55 respondents representing 61% admitted that
mass media report corruption activities in
Nigeria to a large extent, 30 respondents representing 33.3% said mass
media report corruption activities in Nigeria some extent while 10 respondents
representing 5.6% have no idea.
Table
10: Does
mass media educates and enlighten the general public on the effect of
corruption on the national development?
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Yes
|
80
|
89%
|
|
No
|
10
|
11%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
The table above indicates that, 80 respondents representing 89% admitted that
mass media educates and enlighten the general public on the effect of
corruption on the national development, while, 10 respondents representing 11%
said mass media educates and enlighten the general public on the effect of
corruption on the national development.
TABLE
11: Is there any challenge facing the mass media in reporting corrupt
activities of the Nigerian leaders?
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Yes
|
70
|
77.8%
|
|
No
|
20
|
22.2%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
The table above indicates that, 70 respondents representing 77.8% admitted that
mass media is facing some challenges in reporting corrupt activities of the
Nigerian leaders, whereas 20 respondents representing 22.2% disagreed.
TABLE
12: If yes, what are the major challenges?
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Lack of security
|
40
|
44.4%
|
|
Fear
|
20
|
22.2%
|
|
Lack of experience
|
5
|
5.6%
|
|
Lack freedom of expression
|
25
|
27.7%
|
|
Others
|
0
|
0%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
The table above indicates that, 40 respondents representing 77.8% admitted that
the major problem facing mass media in reporting corrupt activities of the Nigerian leaders is lack of security,
whereas 20 respondents representing 22.2% attributed the major challenge to
fear among journalists, 5 respondents representing 5.6% admitted that the major
problem facing mass media in reporting corrupt activities of the Nigerian
leaders is lack of experience, while, 25 respondents representing 27.7%
attributed the major challenge to lack of press freedom.
TABLE
13: Has mass media educative and
enlightenment programmes reduced corruption in Nigeria?
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Yes
|
20
|
22.2%
|
|
No
|
60
|
66.7%
|
|
No Idea
|
10
|
11%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
The table above indicates that, 20 respondents representing 22.2% admitted that
mass media educative and enlightenment programmes reduce corruption in Nigeria,
whereas 60 respondents representing 66.7% disagreed, while 10 respondents
representing 11% did not select any of the option.
TABLE
14: To what extent has ownership influence affect mass media in reporting on
corrupt leaders?
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Large Extent
|
50
|
55.6%
|
|
Some Extent
|
30
|
33.3%
|
|
Not at all
|
10
|
11.1%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
The table above indicates that, 50 respondents representing 55.6% ownership
influence affect mass media in reporting on corrupt leaders to a larger extent,
30 respondents representing 33.3% said ownership influence affect mass media in
reporting on corrupt leaders to some extent whereas 10 respondents representing
11.1% said ownership influence does not affect mass media in reporting on
corrupt leaders.
TABLE
15: How will you rate the performance of
the mass media in terms of waging war against corruption in Nigeria?
|
VARIABLES
|
FREQUENCY
|
PERCENTAGE
|
|
Very impressive
|
25
|
27.7%
|
|
Impressive
|
40
|
44.4%
|
|
Not impressive
|
10
|
11%
|
|
No Idea
|
15
|
16.7%
|
|
TOTAL
|
90
|
100%
|
Analysis:
The table above indicates that, 25 respondents representing 27.7% said the
performance of mass media is very impressive in terms of wagging war against
corruption in Nigeria, 40 respondents representing 44.4% said is impressive,
whereas 10 respondents representing 11% is not impressive while 15 respondents
representing 16.7% have idea.
Discussion
of Findings
Findings
have shown that majority of media practitioners represented by representing 89%
were aware of corrupt practices in Nigeria.
Also,
60 respondents representing 89% said give prominence to news relating to
corruption in mass media, 10 respondents representing 11% said it does not
while 20 respondents representing 22.2% have no idea.
55 respondents
representing 61% admitted that mass media report bribery and corruption
activities in Nigeria to a large extent,
30 respondents representing 33.3% said mass media report bribery and corruption
activities in Nigeria some extent while 10 respondents representing 5.6% have
no idea.
Similarly, 80 respondents representing 89%
admitted that mass media educates and enlighten the general public on the
effect of corruption on the national development, while, 10 respondents
representing 11% said mass media educates and enlighten the general public on
the effect of corruption on the national development.
Mass media is facing
some challenges in reporting corrupt practices as 70 respondents representing
77.8% admitted that mass media is facing some challenges in reporting corrupt
activities of the Nigerian leaders, whereas 20 respondents representing 22.2%
disagreed and 40 respondents representing 77.8% admitted that the major problem
facing mass media in reporting corrupt activities of the Nigerian leaders is
lack of security, whereas 20 respondents representing 22.2% attributed the
major challenge to fear among journalists, 5 respondents representing 5.6%
admitted that the major problem facing mass media in reporting corrupt
activities of the Nigerian leaders is lack of experience, while, 25 respondents
representing 27.7% attributed the major challenge to lack of press freedom.
It is also indicated
that 20 respondents representing 22.2% admitted that mass media educative and
enlightenment programmes reduce corruption in Nigeria, whereas 60 respondents
representing 66.7% disagreed, while 10 respondents representing 11% did not
select any of the option.
From the finding it is indicated that, 50
respondents representing 55.6% ownership influence affect mass media in
reporting on corrupt leaders to a larger extent, 30 respondents representing
33.3% said ownership influence affect mass media in reporting on corrupt
leaders to some extent whereas 10 respondents representing 11.1% said ownership
influence does not affect mass media in reporting on corrupt leaders.
5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
The
study examines the impact of mass media as instrument for eradicating
corruption using Nigeria Television Authority Osogbo as a case study. Without
doubt mass media play a very crucial role as the fourth estate of the realm
especially in serving as the major watch dog to the people in authority. Mass
media especially television has been able to educate, enlighten and inform the
general public on the effect of corruption on our national development while
mass media have not relented in exposing corrupt leaders, it always pattern
with various anti graft agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC and the Nigerian Police
to build a corrupt free nation. However, the research is divided into five
chapters.
It
is very safe to conclude that mass media have been a major instrument to wag
war against corruption and corrupt practices in Nigeria. The media are
performing significant roles in the anti corruption campaign and NTA is not
left out of this campaign. The media are indispensable tool for effective
campaign against corruption in Nigeria. Mass
media are actually trying their best in ensuring that we live a crime free
country through constant anti-corruption programme, expose corrupt leaders and
host of others. Mass media houses do
partner with the concern anti- corruption agencies to fight corruption to the
root.
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Having concluded, the
following recommendation are made:
1. The
Economics and Financial Crime Commission should act within the law that
establish it and ascertain complacence with ethics of the profession.
2. That
the broadcasting media and newspaper should be objective in their coverage and
reportage of event without political or ethnic influence.
3. It
is recommended that picture and cartoon should be used to authenticate stories
and news items. Newspaper should publish news on the activities of EFCC on the
front page instead of buried most of their news item in the inside page.
4. Nigeria
as a whole should imbibe good records keeping culture. This recommendation goes
to the government and other authorities, concerned. This is borne out of the problem
I encountered in obtaining the editions of the newspapers needed for the study.
5.
The Nigeria press (journalists)
should also be guided by the principles of social responsibility theory of the
media.
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Ewuola
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Ifeachukwu,
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Publisher.
Akinrosoye,
I. (2011): Essentials of Newspaper Editing and Production. Ibadan Roalex
Global Service.
Burleson,
B. (1952): Contents Analysis in Communication Research. New York; Free
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Akinfeleye,
R.A. (1987): Essentials of Modern African Journalism. A Premier Lagos: Miral
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