2019: Buhari and the media

May 14, 2018

PENULTIMATE week, I attended two events organised by two different media groups. Discussions in the events centered on the push for good governance in Nigeria and the role of the media in the 2019 general elections. I listened to speakers, most of who were in line with my thoughts. The media have duties towards the 2019 elections; their attention and focus are on the incumbent President who has already declared for a second term and other contenders who are gradually sprouting out; and the hope is for a peaceful democratic transition. Generally, the electioneering procedures, including the electoral awareness are taking over the media. Still many other media organisations are meeting or reorganising or expanding to meet up with the task ahead of 2019.

It is clear that some media organisations in Nigeria have already taken positions on the position of President Muhammadu Buhari’s bid to continue beyond 2019. Assuredly, some are working under the influence of politicians some of who are key stakeholders in some news outfits. With that in mind, it is believed that one who pays the piper dictates the tune. So, those media outfits can hardly report balanced news as it concerns 2019 political dispensation. Yet, it is believable that some Nigerian media are attached to the professional ethics and culture that guide journalism worldwide. As at today, it is clearer that the media are divided into three towards the Buhari’s 2019 bid.

One is dastardly against it, but basically propelled by the political differences between the owners and the Buhari-led government. This group reports every Buhari’s action in the negative. Despite criticism is part of life, I cannot believe that any man is a complete saint or evil. The second is in total marriage with Buhari and reports every of his actions in the positive. The third, a very scanty number of the Nigerian media, has maintained professionalism by reporting Buhari’s actions as they are with constructive criticism and continuous counseling for national interest and well-being.