Investigative reporting and work of the Legislature: Locating a nexus

Let begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the organizers of this event by finding me worthy to share my thoughts on journalism and the practice of lawmaking. There may be no better time to discuss this salient topic than now when democracy in our dear country is becoming more and more consolidated. Therefore, with democratic consolidation we will naturally expect strengthening of its key institutions. I also believe that this type of discussion needs to be expanded considering the manner in which the legislature is being misrepresented in our polity. Lack of adequate knowledge of parliamentary etiquette has led many to pass negative judgments on lawmakers’ activities.

While the legislature forms an arm of the tripod that is democratic governance and known for its checks and balances, media, on the other hand is the voice of the civil society. It aggregates the condition, feelings, yearnings and aspirations of the people to the System, ditto programmes, initiatives, policies and pronouncements of the institutions of power to the people.

The brand democracy we practice also called representative democracy because of the existence of the Legislature. Legislature is the most expressive reason why democracy is considered government of the people and by the people, because there are direct representations from everywhere. In the Legislative chambers everybody has a voice and everyone represent the needs and idiosyncrasies of his or her people. Collectively, as an institution, the Legislature is an ombudsman within the government. It moderates excesses and ensure justice. In this the Legislature shares the fundamental traits of journalism. of is

The Place of the Legislature

Primers of our constitution have recognized the essence of the Legislature as a more direct involvement of the people in governance as some sort or provost for the Executive arm; hence it is given certain precedence over the two other arms. In fact, as a symbolism of such powers, even in the order of treatment in our Constitution; the Legislature is dealt with first before the other organs of government. Thus while section 4 of our constitution deals with Legislative powers, section 5 enumerated the powers of the Executive powers and section 6 dealt with powers of the judiciary.

However, broadly and simply, we can say that the Legislature performs these three functions, namely: Enactment of laws; appropriation of funds, and oversight on implementation.

Now, in all these things said about functions and roles of the Legislature, there is also need for a third eye, a fourth estate of the realm for proper rolling of the system. It is here that journalism comes in -the need to reinforce the work of the Legislature and also, where need to, watch over the ombudsman as well.

Why Investigative Reporting?

In age of sweeping media revolution, media profession is faced with threats and opportunities. These days anybody with access to a phone with Internet is already a reporter. Blogs cost barely nothing to maintain. On the other hand, preponderance of online mediums has put the conventional media on the edge. The solution is to be more creative and go extra mile by investigating stories beyond the mundane.

There is no gainsaying that investigative reporting has the potential to assist in building a national culture of transparency, good governance and openness which can make government officials to be more responsible in the management of public trust. It can also play a critical role in bringing to the front burner ills bedeviling the society for the attention of those concerned to make amends.

Over the years in the country, the media has undoubtedly played this role of unearthing series of scandals, sustain it in the public consciousness and push for proper resolution of such matters. Indeed, the media has embarrassed the crudest of dictators and forced government to take action or even reverse a cause of action. This has not changed that much under the present civilian dispensation.

Through your work with lawmakers you have golden opportunity for quality investigative reporting based on resources at your disposal.

Should you decide to help this country and your career as a journalist by subscribing to this brand of journalism, here are some hands-on tools I think you would need to make a success out of it:

Be

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determined about it:

Investigative reporting is a tedious exercise that requires patience until results are achieved. It is also a risky endeavour. So without determination, there’s all likelihood it will be abandoned halfway. As the saying goes, where there is will, there is always a way. You have to evaluate and make it a conscious choice such that you will endure the brunt of it. But I bet you once you start you will enjoy it because you will standout of the pack.

Stay Current:

This has to be the first after the personal decision to toe this path. You have to be at top of the beat by every means. You should use human network and also leverage on modern resources. Develop Contacts: To help you remain current, you need contacts. You should have an array of sources for the stories and documents you need just as you need experts that can put you through and to explain things you may otherwise have trouble understanding.

Discover Data

Identify and discover strategic places; offices, committees and government agencies you need to get closer to for routine data that you can use advance your reporting.

Read Thoroughly: Mines:

As I said earlier on, this is not a lazy man’s venture. You need to work hard and this hard work includes reading. You have to read everything and read thoroughly. As they say, the devil is in the details, you have to therefore be meticulous if indeed you are out to sieve through the sand in search of gold.

Of the three arms of government in Nigeria, the legislature has become the punching bag of critics and people who feel threatened by a vibrant and independent Assembly. I have to admit here that many of the criticisms are justified considering the lifestyle many of our legislators. Many receive bogus entitlements and display abundant wealth in the midst of poverty. But as journalists, we must make a clear distinction between the lifestyle of lawmakers and the integrity of the institution of the legislature. We should not undermine the parliament simply because its operators err. We should rather strive to deepen its tenets for our democracy to prosper. A point to note here is that during the military, both the Executive and Judiciary functioned without hindrance. Only the legislature got scrapped. That is to tell you how important it is. So as the watchdogs of the society, we must make conscious effort to enlighten the citizens about the importance of the legislature.

Imam Imam, a former legislative aide, is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State. He delivered this paper at 2-day training on legislative reporting organised by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.