MEDIA, POLITICS AND ECONOMY: SHAPING NARRATIVES, SHAPING NIGERIA"(The Symposium Paper)
...FROM CAMPAIGN NARRATIVES TO GOVERNANCE REALITIES"
Being a presentation at a PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM on the THEME -
"MEDIA, POLITICS AND ECONOMY: SHAPING NARRATIVES, SHAPING NIGERIA" Vis-a-vis the discourse on the SUB-THEME -
"MEDIA AND POLITICS: FROM CAMPAIGN NARRATIVES TO GOVERNANCE REALITIES",
Given at the Association of Mass Communication Students (AMACOS) 1995 Set's 30th Graduation Anniversary of MOSHOOD ABIOLA POLYTECHNIC, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday ,17th October, 2O25 By EDDY A. ADEMOSU, Ph.D
PREAMBLE:
Within the general context of the main Theme of the Symposium - "MEDIA, POLITICS AND ECONOMY: SHAPING NARRATIVES, SHAPING NIGERIA", agreeable concepts, assumptions and propositions (CAPs) must be interrogated and established to give a global view of our discourse on the sub-theme - "MEDIA AND POLITICS: FROM CAMPAIGN NARRATIVES TO GOVERNANCE REALITIES".
For instance, as propositions, we must come to terms as follows:
i) That without much contentions, the role of Media generally in the "sustenance and promotion of democratic values and practices is foremost and established in Nigerian history".
sustenance and promotion of democratic values and practices is foremost and established in Nigerian history
Evidently, from colonial times, through the fight for independence as well as various emergent governments (both military and civilian), the Media has always been the watchdog and megaphone (Asaju, 2018).
ii) That seemingly, the public and private ownership of news media have effect on political and public policy outcomes (Popoola, 2018).
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iii) That in varying theoretical and empirical studies, "the news media and public communication apparatuses function essentially in tune with certain ideological, economic, and market driven variables; thus, pointing to the paradigm that the news media in today's world, especially in democracies, indisputably operate in the era of political-economy" (Popoola, 2018).
iv) That mostly post-independence, the Nigerian Media has assumed a contested realm, encompassing class politics and interests of monopoly capital, throwing up issues and challenges in the strands of media control and performance in NIgeria.
Succinctly, Prof Asaju (2018) puts it thus:
A most outstanding debate in this regard hints at the financial sustainability and social responsibility of the Media; given the struggle of media establishments in the country to monetise their content within market forces and structures, and yet provide extensive, investigative and development-driven coverage.
"A most outstanding debate in this regard hints at the financial sustainability and social responsibility of the Media; given the struggle of media establishments in the country to monetise their content within market forces and structures, and yet provide extensive, investigative and development-driven coverage. This might explain the seeming incompatibility of the Nigerian corporate media system with a viable democratic public sphere, and the corrupt policymaking process that brings the system into existence"
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v) That, therefore, it is within these core narratives/propositions that the "Political Economy of Media (PEM) operations in Nigeria" must be examined with a view to providing clear perspectives on "CAMPAIGN NARRATIVES TO GOVERNANCE REALITIES"
CAMPAIGN NARRATIVES IN THE NIGERIAN REPUBLICS:
A) THE REPUBLICS' PECULIARITIES & GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS -
Nigeria has experimented with various republican systems since gaining independence, reflecting its quest for stable governance amidst complex ethnic, religious, and regional dynamics.
These Republics and Governance Systems are:
i) First Republic (1960-1966)
- Nigeria's initial post-independence governance structure, parliamentary system, ended with military coup.
ii) Second Republic (1979-1983)
- Transitioned to presidential system under Constitution of 1979, ended due to military intervention.
iii) Third Republic
- Attempted transition (1992-1993), aborted; marked by annulled June 12 elections.
iv) Fourth Republic (1999-present)
- Current democratic dispensation, presidential system established post-military rule.
Generally, the challenges inherent in the governance structures of these Republics include
a) Ethnic and Regional Tensions:
Diversity poses governance challenges.
b) Corruption:
Pervasive issue impacting economic growth, trust in institutions.
c) Electoral Irregularities:
Flawed elections contribute to disillusionment.
d) Calls for Restructuring:
Debates on federalism, decentralization for cohesion.
Our perspectives on Reform must take cognisance of the call for *True Federalism Advocacy* which centres on proposals for regional autonomy, addressing power balance and of course, the Fragility Concerns, admonishing CAUTION based on Nigeria’s diversity and history.
B) CAMPAIGNS NARRATIVES/TRENDS OF THE REPUBLICS -
Nigeria's republican experiments have been shaped by complex dynamics, influencing campaign narratives and trends.
We can review the campaigns narratives/trends as follow:
i) FIRST Republic (1960-1966):
Parliamentary System: Focuses on regional and ethnic affiliations dominated politics via campaigns.
Key Figures: Late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo played pivotal roles.
Outcomes/Realities: Ethnic tensions, regional disparities contributed to instability ending in military coup.
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ii) SECOND REPUBLIC (1979-1983)
Presidential System:
Constitution of 1979 shaped governance structure.
Campaign Themes: Shehu Shagari’s presidency emphasized national unity while other key players like Chief Awolowo ventured into mixture of socio-economic and regional political narratives.
Outcomes/Realities: Ended with military coup led by the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
iii) THIRD REPUBLIC (1992-1993)
Aborted Transition: Marked by annulled June 12, 1993 elections, widely regarded as pivotal moment.
M.K.O. Abiola: The then Presidential candidate of Social Democratic Party (SPD) whose victory was annulled, attempted a campaign narrative building on socio-economic and political lapses of the Nation, Tagged HOPE '93.
iv) FOURTH REPUBLIC (1999-present)
-
Presidential System: It is post-military rule governance.
Key Narratives/Trends:
a) Personality-Driven Politics: From 1999 to 2023, notable personalities like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, late President Muhammadu Buhari, late President Shehu, President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President, and recently (2023) former Vice president Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (incumbent) and Mr. Peter Obi dominated the scenes.
b) Ethnic and Regional Balancing:
Considerations critical in candidates' selection for various National positions.
c) Digital Campaigning:
Increasing role of social media, data analytics in elections became manifest.
Across boards, the challenges influencing Campaigns for the 4th REPUBLIC still include -
a) Ethnic and Regional Tensions: Diversity impacts political narratives.
b) Corruption:
Pervasive issue affecting trust.
c) Electoral Irregularities:
Flawed elections fuel disillusionment.
Instructively, for the 2023 General Democratic Elections, most pronounced Campaigns trends/narratives were shaped by:
i) "Youth Engagement: Growing voter registration among youths.
ii) Digital Strategies: New Media/ Social media were deployed and crucial for outreach.
iii) Personality vs Policy : Debates on candidates’ images overshadowing substantive policy discussions. Traces of socio-economic and political reforms were equally noticeable in presidential campaigns.
C) GOVERNANCE REALITIES OF THE FOURTH REPUBLIC (1999-PRESENT):
Nigeria's Fourth Republic, established in 1999, has been marked by significant governance realities that often contrast with campaign narratives and promises made by political stakeholders.
a) In this discourse, "Governance Realities", the key challenges include:
i) Corruption - Pervasive corruption remains a critical issue, eroding public trust and hindering socio-economic progress.
ii) Ethnic and Regional Tensions - Nigeria's diversity impacts political dynamics, with balancing acts often influencing candidate selection.
iii) Electoral Irregularities:
Flawed elections contribute to disillusionment among citizens.
iv) Insecurity - Issues like Boko Haram insurgency and kidnappings plague the nation.
b) Executive-Legislative Relations:
i) Relations between the executive and legislature have been characterized by mutual suspicion and political rivalry.
ii) Interference in processes like impeachment and budget passage highlights challenges in institutional harmony.
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D) CAMPAIGN NARRATIVES/PROMISES vs REALITIES:
Generally, for the case study of the 4th Republic, promises often include:
i) National Cohesion/Unity: Themes like Shehu Shagari’s emphasis on unity resonate but implementation faces hurdles.
ii) Economic Improvement/Development: Leaders promise growth, yet outcomes often fall short amid corruption and mismanagement.
iii) Anti-Corruption Mantra: Politicians highlight anti-corruption drives, but tangible results are debated.
iv) Security Matters: Statistics and Media reports have indicated increasing challenges from one Democratic Administration to the other, and the reality is that there is no respite in sight. SCARY!!!
E) CONTRASTING ISSUES OF THE 4TH REPUBLIC:
The major highlights are -
i) Individualistic/ Personality-Driven Politics: Figures like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and late President Muhammadu Buhari dominated scenes, sometimes overshadowing policy depth.
ii) New Media Digital Campaigning: Social media’s (embodying New Media) growing role contrasts with traditional patronage politics.
iii) Failed Expectations: Voter turnout decline reflects disillusionment with unfulfilled promises.
Contextually, notable presidencies of the 4th Republic can be reviewed as follows:
i) Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007): Faced challenges like ethnic tensions and corruption allegations.
ii) Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023): Focused on anti-corruption, faced criticism on insecurity and economic policies.
iii) Bola Tinubu (2023-present):
Thus far, initiatives like fuel subsidy removal has sparked public discontents.
Consequently, arising from the mix-match between "Campaigns Narratives and Governance Realities", there have been general calls for Reforms, namely:
i) Restructuring: Debates persist on federalism and decentralization for better cohesion.
ii) Youth Involvement/Engagement: Growing youth voter registration amid calls for systemic change.
F) CASE-STUDIES OF AFRICAN COUNTRIES WITH EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGNS NARRATIVES AND GOVERNANCE REALITIES:
a) STUDIES OF SELECTED COUNTRIES:
Relevant International Electoral Monitoring Agencies and experts have seemingly agreed that few African countries exemplify alignment between campaign narratives and governance realities. In other words, the under-listed top African Countries have demonstrated strong "Governance and Democratic Practices":
i) Ghana - Known for its consistent peaceful elections and smooth transitions of power, Ghana is often cited as a beacon of democracy in West Africa. Its Electoral Commission is robust, contributing to electoral credibility.
ii) Botswana - This country boasts a stable democracy, sound economic management, and relatively low corruption levels. Botswana's October 2024 election marked a historic shift with the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) claiming victory, showcasing democratic maturity.
iii) Mauritius: With strong institutions and low corruption, Mauritius has held regular, peaceful elections since independence in 1968. Its e-judiciary system streamlines legal proceedings, enhancing governance efficiency.
iv) Rwanda- Under President Paul Kagame, Rwanda prioritizes development, unity, and anti-corruption measures. Initiatives like Kigali Innovation City underscore its focus on digital transformation and economic growth.
v) South Africa- Post-1994 democratic transition remains celebrated. Its Independent Electoral Commission ensures transparent elections. However, challenges like coalition governance complexities exist.
b) KEY DELIVERABLES AIDING DEMOCRATIC REALITIES IN THE LISTED COUNTRIES:
i) Credible Independent Electoral Bodies:
Ghana's Electoral Commission and Kenya's IEBC exemplify crucial roles in managing credible elections.
ii) Technological (Digital) Innovations: Countries like Rwanda and Botswana leverage technology for governance and economic development.
iii) Formidable Institutions:
Rule of law and constitutional frameworks underpin stability in nations like Mauritius and South Africa.
iv) Civic Involvement/Engagement:
High voter turnout in countries like Ghana reflects public trust in electoral processes.
However, these countries also contend with their low side challenges including
Corruption, Insecurity, and Regional Tensions.
G) SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS:
a) SUMMARY - In summary, it does appear that Nigeria's Fourth Republic (1999-present) is doted by persistent dissonance between campaign narratives and governance realities.
Political stakeholders often craft compelling narratives promising national unity, economic prosperity, anti-corruption, security crusades, etc; however, execution frequently fails or falters amid entrenched corruption, ethnic-regional complexities, insecurity, and institutional friction.
The interplay of media, politics, and public perception shapes this dynamic, highlighting the need for alignment between aspirational campaign messaging and tangible governance outcomes for sustainable democratic progress.
b)SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS -
Our suggestions/recommendations for future nexus of "Campaign Narratives and Governance Realities" are sub-grouped as follows:
1) MEDIA AND POLITICS HANDSHAKE:
i) Improved Media Literacy:
Foster critical consumption of political messaging among citizens.
ii) Misinformation Management/Fact-Checking Initiatives:
Strengthen independent fact-checking bodies to curb misinformation.
iii) Digital Campaign Transparency: Encourage platforms to promote transparency on political ads.
2) CAMPAIGN NARRATIVE AUTHENTICITY:
i) Issue/Policy-Centric Campaigns: Shift focus from personality-driven politics to substantive policy debates.
ii) Stakeholders' Engagement:
Involve civil society, youth groups in shaping realistic campaign promises.
iii) Attainable/Realistic Promises:
Discourage grandiose pledges lacking implementation feasibility.
3) GOVERNANCE ENHANCEMENT
i) Institutional Empowerment/ Strengthening:
Bolster checks/balances (e.g., judiciary, anti-corruption agencies).
ii) Transparency Disclosure-Mechanisms:
Mandate disclosure of political funding, asset declarations.
iii) Citizen Feedback Platforms: Leverage digital tools for feedback loops on governance.
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4) TACKLING SYSTEMIC ISSUES:
i) Reforms Dialogues:
Constructive debates on federalism, decentralization for equitable resource allocation.
ii) Insecurity Containment:
Holistic strategies tackling Boko Haram, banditry, kidnappings beyond military approaches.
iii) Youth Involvement:
Harness youthful energy via participatory governance models.
5) ACCOUNTABILITY CHECKS/LOOPS:
i) Performance Analytics/ Metrics: Tie electoral success to trackable governance Key Performance Indices (KPIs).
ii) Independent Body for Public Scorecards:
An independent Body of Media, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and freelancers with integrity be empanelled to track politicians’ promise-delivery gaps.
iii) Electoral Restructuring:
Enhance credibility via INEC capacity, observer participation.
c) CONCLUSION:
In drawing conclusions, future outlook
in achieving synergy/nexus between campaign narratives and governance realities demands concerted efforts from all stakeholders of "Nigerian Project"; politicians, media, civil society, and citizens. Nigeria’s diversity and development aspirations necessitate authentic, accountable political communication bridging rhetoric and action for enduring democratic dividends.
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