A Professor of Media Studies, Godwin Oboh has called for a special media law that would guide against ownership influence in Nigeria.
Oboh made the call in Benin while presenting the 19th inaugural lecture of the Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, “titled “The Same Difference Between the Media and Politicians Has Implication for Nigerian Elections.”
He said the media would continue to fail in its responsibility unless the interest of the mass media is protected like in the advanced countries of the world.
BBC and CNN, he said, are relatively autonomous against the influence of the British and United States governments because there is a law there on press freedom.
“Section 39 under which the media usually hide to profess press freedom is negated by subsection 3 of the provision.
“We need press law to be able to redress the imbalance created by ownership in mass media operations and activities in Nigeria,” he said.
He, however, cautioned Nigerian media against partisan politics or any advocacy in favour of a particular political party.
The 19th inaugural lecturer underscored the critical role media are expected to play in elections, advising the media to always develop a template for the campaign during any electioneering.
He frowned at the media report of election results at the polling unit, saying it was antithetical to international best practice.
He canvassed for restructuring of the political economy in Nigeria in such a manner that audience and reception are given to all the ethnic nationalities in the country.
If it is a democracy, Oboh said every interest must be captured as considered in the scheme of things.
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