By Adekoya Boladale<\/p>\n
Abraham Lincoln was a great man not just to United States but to the world and in particular to the political realm.<\/p>\n
This great man gave the most suiting definition to democracy. However, there was an important part of that definition I strongly believe he \u2018mistakenly\u2019 excluded, that section was the press.<\/p>\n
Around the world journalist have continuously play a key role either in attainment of independence, promotion of social and civil participation, sustenance of democracy or preserving democratic virtues.\u00a0 The press has been a germane tool for checkmating abuses and political dictatorship through its non-aligned, unbiased reports and openness.<\/p>\n
The world has produced more martyrs in journalism than in revolution. The likes of Jose Luis Cabezas, Paul Klebnikov, Norbert Zongo, Marie Colvin, Mohamed al-Mesalma to mention a few have laid down their lives to bring to public awareness the deepest truth and darkest of secrets that affects our lives. They face threats from powerful men of the world but yet remain unshaken, cover world most dangerous events and wars but remain fearless.<\/p>\n
From Iraq, to Iran, Egypt, Philippine, Syria, Russia, Algeria these men stood firm for just one cause, getting out the truth no matter what.<\/p>\n
Nigeria has had its share of these great men and women of inks and cameras who have stood their ground and fought vigorously for the sustenance of democracy and civil liberty. The likes of Dele Giwa, Enenche Akogwu, Baguda Kaltho, Chinedu Offoaro, Bolade Fasasi, Godwin Agbroko, Paul Abayomi Ogundeji, Edo Sule Ugbagwu, Eiphraim Audu, Ikechukwu Udendu, Tunde Oladepo, Bayo Ohu, Zakariya Isa to mention a few, have confronted death right in its face and eventually gave up their lives for what they believe so much in, truth!<\/p>\n
However, this was when journalism in Nigeria was still about the news and truth. This was when the press was free from political control and capitalist influence. This was when journalist derives pleasure and joy going under cover to unravel the truth. This was when there was so much joy in bringing real time update on news right from the scene.<\/p>\n
The story of the new Nigerian press is pathetic. The angle of news, information and public enlightenment has been brushed away. Charlatans now control the media houses; capitalist and political jobbers have taken control of the press. Everywhere, you come across journalist who is not ready to write report on genuine story no matter how important such story is to the society without a \u2018tip\u2019, journalist no longer take interest in events that wont payoff in cash no matter the relevance to the public.<\/p>\n
They now expect \u2018brown envelope\u2019 at the end of every press briefing and interview, a failure to meet up with such expectation is a certain non-publication of such event or story. The glory of journalism has now been placed in stock market for purchase by corrupt politicians with the deepest pocket, the vibe and joy that characterize press is now available for grab to the highest bidder.<\/p>\n
Few weeks ago reports of corruption in the press dug up by the few good eggs in the industry shows how some notable media houses became conveying vehicle for looted state funds. In the report, Mr Peter Odili, the former Governor of Rivers State shared the stolen state loot with these media houses. Daar Communication of AIT & Raypower got 2billion naira, 300million naira went to ThisDay Newspapers, 50million naira was given to Channels Television while Newswatch got over 100million naira. Prominent editors, columnists and reporters were also alleged to have gotten their share of the \u2018brown envelope\u2019.\u00a0 But that is not all; ThisDay Newspaper was also reported to have received a generous gift of 1million dollars from the former governor of Bayelsa state and now President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan, that money was part of the grant statutory meant for poverty alleviation in Africa.<\/p>\n
I feel the pain of journalists who have taken to sharp practices to make ends meet. The treatment and welfare given to these individuals is alarming. Salaries are hardly paid; journalists are left on their own to sort themselves out in line of duty and receive little or no commendation for a job well done. To make matter worst there is a unit head who expect you to return with his\/her share of the brown envelope after every outing.
\nCapitalist who controls the firm take to lame excuses such as Boko Haram attack to dodge payment of statutory monthly entitlement. We need not wonder how the likes of Reuben Abati went rogue.<\/p>\n
However, there is no excuse for evil. The description of a good journalist is not one with riches and fortune but one with zeal, doggedness and truthfulness. The task expected of a great journalist is not to take side with corrupt politicians and government officials or to deceive the public into believing cheap tales and blackmail but educating, informing and enlighten the public about the true nature of events and happenings.<\/p>\n
The air of our dear nation is now filled with misinformation and deceit from people who ought to guide the public right. But God in his infinite mercy brought to us social media, a medium that accepts neither silver nor gold. The moment is right, for these men and women to return to the golden age when news reportage was about the truth and nothing more. The press must change so Nigeria can be better.<\/p>\n
Adekoya Boladale is a political scientist and wrote via adekoyaboladale@gmail.com
\nTwitter:\u00a0 @adekoyabee<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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