Politics And Journalism; The Interwoven Network Between Them

By Afolabi Aminat, 400 Level Chemistry, Unilorin
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The imaginary interconnection between two major aspects of 21st century generation lies in politics and journalism. There has been a mysterious link between the duos for a very long time. Many struggled and wished to stay at one end of both ropes, but such hopes seem abortive.Several people have crossed the boundary, dangling between both paths more than once.

It is rather obvious that there is a clear firewall between these two professions. There seem to be a very thin boundary, or perhaps, a reflective door in the firewall between these two, such that with time, politicians and journalists cross the line on numerous occasions, changing roles and appearance as they move from side to side. When they cross, there is somewhat complete attainment of different characters, thus, journalists have a shaky responsibility.

As a direct consequence, it can be argued that there is nothing wrong with a journalist having a little look into politics, however, it becomes a case of disputing and competing loyalties when a journalist aims to campaign while reporting. Although it is a crystal clear act and lucid perception that journalism reports may have been gathered through political activities; it is of absolute necessity to avoid biased judgments.

In present day Nigeria, the elites are often not comfortable with the media, and in same vain, the media look at the government with contempt whenever the right of freedom is hampered. The super powers often enter tug of war with reporters; and the reason for this is within the reach of all; that there is frequent suspicion that a free press could lionize an ordinary citizen to an extent of causing a shift in power base. This assumption, though, is erroneous in journalism.

The most important attribute, which makes it rather difficult to camp both professions into their defined space, can be linked to efforts of antediluvian journalists cum politicians such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Herbert Macaulay, Obafemi Awolowo among others, who all cut their first teeth in journalism before joining the route to political decolonization of Nigeria.

The provision of Section 22 of 1999 constitution confers the freedom of press on Nigeria media. It reads inter-alia: “the press, radio, television and other agencies of mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.”

This particular provision relates to all media practitioners and press outfits throughout the federal republic of Nigeria. It also grants private individuals the power to run their own press outfits, to consolidate the government-owned ones. In this regard, the media remains the sole watchdog of the three components of the government, to wit; executive, judiciary and the legislature.

In a nutshell, the nexus between journalism and politics is nexus and divergent. Thus, there has been a growing case of symbiotic relationships in existence. For all hands to be on deck, all involved parties need to define their responsibilities, and maintain their niche without transgressing.

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