How media can deepen Nigeria’s democracy - Namadi Sambo
A former governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima said Nigeria’s 20 years of democracy has more weaknesses than strength, saying many citizens ascribe this to the failure of leadership.
Shettima who was Guest Speaker at the 17th Edition of
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo has identified roles expected of the media in entrenching democratic values in Nigeria.
Sambo, who spoke yesterday as the Chairman of the 17th edition of the Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja, reiterated that as the watchdog of the society, the media has the obligation of not just advocating for democratic rule, but also expected to ensure an enduring civic space as guaranteed by the Constitution.
“Though we can all collectively do a lot more to entrench an enduring democracy in Nigeria, the media has an exceptional role to play to achieve this noble goal. The media must continue to hold to account (without bias or prejudice) all the persons and institutions of governance within the provision of the law.
“While discharging
the the Daily Trust Dialogue held in Abuja, yesterday, said the rule of law which is sacred in a democracy is and has been under serious threat.
“From 1999 to date, only the administration of late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua took obedience onerous task of building a united and prosperous nation, the media must avoid the temptation of unethical practices. We must be cautious and accept that the media is also not above the law and its practitioners are subject to extant laws, the rules, and the ethics of professional conduct and patriotism,” he said.
The former VP added that concerns being raised in recent times about the use of social media by some bloggers and ‘citizen journalists’, who may be susceptible to publishing content based on unsubstantiated claims, breaching of privacy, fake news and even hate speech underscore the value of true journalism, particularly in light of the multi-ethnic and multireligious composition of our nation.
He said the theme for this year’s dialogue “Twenty Years of
Democracy in Nigeria: Strengths, Weaknesses and Opportunities” was a good example of how the media could promote democracy and good governance.
He commended Daily Trust for “this timely, noble and bold subject matter”, adding: “We must continue to evolve ways of engaging all key actors for the sustenance of our hard-earned democracy.”
Stressing that the transfer of power from a ruling party to an opposition party in 2015 remains historic as a demonstration of democratic ideals in Nigeria, Namadi said: “The bravery and a singular amazing act of my boss; President Goodluck Jonathan of picking his telephone and calling the incoming President Muhammadu Buhari even before the announcement of the election results by INEC was memorable and historic.”