Protocol:
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honour to address this distinguished audience today, particularly on a topic that lies at the centre of our nation’s democratic process: “the challenges and future of media in parliamentary reporting in Nigeria”. As a journalist with over three decades of experience, much of it spent navigating the corridors of power in the National Assembly, I have witnessed firsthand the pivotal role that the media plays in shaping our democracy.
The theme of today’s paper presentation, “Democracy and Development: How far, so far, for Nigeria?” couldn’t be more timely or relevant. Indeed, the state of our democracy and the progress of our nation are intrinsically linked to the quality and integrity of our media.
Permit me to take my bearing from the operational definition of our profession. Broadly speaking, journalism is the collection, preparation, and distribution of news and related commentaries and feature materials through such print and electronic media such as newspapers, magazines, books, blogs, webcasts, podcasts, social networking and social media sites, and e-mail, as well as through radio, motion pictures, and television. In other words, it is the act of collecting, collating, editing and dissemination of information to the public.
The word Journalism was originally applied to the reportage of current events in printed form, specifically newspapers, but with the advent of radio, television, and the Internet in the 20th century, the use of the term broadened to include all printed and electronic communications dealing with current affairs.
Though no profession is a walk-in park or bread and butter, journalism, in particular, is a very challenging career fraught with hazards that require professionalism, well honed skill, special care, and the grace of God to navigate. Journalists are sometimes hounded for professionally doing their jobs, thus creating an ethical dilemma for the journalist.
On a global scale, journalists face numerous challenges in today’s evolving media landscape. From combating fake news and declining trust to navigating digital transformation and ensuring financial sustainability, journalists must adapt and find innovative solutions. By upholding ethical standards, prioritising accuracy, and embracing new technologies, journalists can overcome these challenges and continue to fulfil their crucial roles in the society.
In Nigeria, generally, the challenges of journalism practice are numerous, but they can be condensed into a few factors. Findings reveal that lack of funding, insecurity, ownership influence, threat and litigation, time constraints, poor access to information and inadequate remuneration, among others, are major constraints to the practice of journalism in Nigeria.
The challenge for news reporters and editors is to provide accurate coverage as quickly as possible without publishing false or bias information. As the news readership becomes overtly politicised, newspapers and networks have little choice but to change with the times at the expense of their credibility.
Narrowing it down to parliamentary reporting in Nigeria; this form of specialised reporting faces numerous obstacles which poses threat to our ability as journalists to effectively serve the public and hold the government accountable. These challenges are multifaceted and deeply entrenched, but they are not insurmountable.
Many of the challenges of parliamentary reporting stem from the general problems faced by journalists in Nigeria. Many more are peculiar to parliamentary reporting. I have already hinted at the global problems of journalism and the problems faced by Nigerian journalists in general.
I will now address the peculiar challenges of journalists who work as parliamentary reporters.
One of the most pressing challenges we face is access to information. As journalists, our ability to report accurately and comprehensively on parliamentary proceedings is contingent upon our access to timely and reliable information. Yet, all too often, we find ourselves stonewalled by politicians and government officials who are reluctant to share information or engage with the press.
This lack of transparency not only undermines the public’s right to know but also impedes our ability to fulfil our democratic duty as watchdogs of government and society. It is instructive to note that it is only the media that is constitutionally mandated via chapter two, section 22 of the 1999 constitution as amended to hold government and its functionaries accountable at all times. It is a sacred duty that must of a necessity be upheld . Without access to information, we cannot hold our elected representatives accountable, nor can we provide the public with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Another significant challenge is the issue of inadequate training for journalists covering the parliament. Reporting on complex legislative issues requires a deep understanding of parliamentary practices and procedures, constitutional law, and public policy. Unfortunately, many journalists lack the necessary skills and expertise to navigate these intricacies effectively.
As a result, we often see inaccurate or bias reporting on parliamentary matters, further eroding the public’s trust in the media. To address this challenge, we must invest in training programmes and professional development opportunities for journalists such as this retreat to bridge the gap. For a start however, parliamentary reporters must arm themselves with the standing Orders [rules] of the Senate or House of representatives as the case may be as well as the Nigerian constitution. This will ensure that we have the knowledge and skills required to fulfil our roles as informed and responsible reporters.
Censorship and self-censorship are also pervasive in Nigeria, with journalists facing pressure from politicians and government officials to toe the line or risk reprisal. This culture of censorship stifles dissenting voices and undermines press freedom, which is essential for a healthy democracy.
The crucial role of the parliamentary reporting in shaping the course of democracy and the nation cannot be underestimated. For instance, in 2005, it was the eagle eyes of senate correspondents that first spotted and indeed alerted the nation of the insertion of the third term agenda in the constitutional amendment process.
Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu of blessed memory was the Chairman of the Constitutional Amendment committee when Senator Ken Nnamani was the President of the Senate. It was the Sub-Committee on Executive headed by late Senator Omar Hambagda from Borno South that recommended the tenure elongation for the Executive. But for the skill of Interpretative Journalism which Senate Correspondents deployed to explain the implication of the insertion, the clause would have scaled through.
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I make bold to state that lawmakers did not abort third term agenda, rather the credit of that abortion should go to the media through the critical reportage by the senate correspondents.
Furthermore, Journalists covering the parliament often face harassment, intimidation, and even physical assault in the course of their duties. This not only endangers the lives and livelihoods of journalists but also undermines the principles of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
Above all, financial constraints poses significant challenge for media organisations covering the parliament. Many news outlets struggle to allocate funds to parliamentary reporting, leading to understaffed and under-resourced newsrooms. Without adequate funding, journalists may not have the resources to conduct in-depth investigations or cover parliamentary proceedings comprehensively. On account of this constraint journalists some times find themselves in a compromised situation. There is no gain saying the fact that a hungry man has no rational thinking.
Besides joining the advocates for enhanced remuneration for journalists, I also take the liberty of this assembly to reiterate the call for insurance policy for journalists in Nigeria. This will further boost their confidence, professionalism and robust practice without fear or favour for public good.
Despite these challenges, the future of the media in parliamentary reporting in Nigeria holds promise. With advancements in technology and digital journalism, journalists have new tools and platforms to disseminate information and engage with the public. Social media platforms and online news portals offer opportunities for journalists to reach a wider audience and bypass traditional gatekeepers.
Additionally, civil society organisations and advocacy groups play a crucial role in supporting press freedom and protecting journalists’ rights. By advocating for legislative reforms and raising awareness about the importance of independent media, these organisations help create an environment where journalists can work freely and without fear of harassment or intimidation.
In most cases, Journalists (parliamentary reporters inclusive) risk their lives just to get the news in order to make the society a batter place.
Legendary Dele Giwa of blessed memory as the then Features Editor of the Old Daily Times of Nigeria noted on the death of Yinka and Oyegoke in a ghastly motor accident while on assignment from Lagos to Ibadan that the untimely death of Yinka and Oyegoke points to journalism as a precarious profession that is akin to going to war every day. On a daily basis, a journalist goes to work with fate hanging in the balance because no matter how or what he publishes, somebody, somewhere must pick offense while some may be pleased. Reactions differ.
On the death of Dele Giwa himself through a letter-bomb in 1986, Jamaican radical Ahmadu Bello University Teacher, Dr Patrick Wilmot told Nigerians that like all journalists and social critics, what Dele Giwa did was to hold a mirror so that the society can see its own reflection. If you don’t like what you see, breaking the mirror cannot change anything and killing him will change even less because the truth of a man cannot be dissolved in his own blood. What happened to Patrick Wilmot after this statement was better imagined than experienced under the military regime.
I was once challenged to assess whether journalists can be wealthy or theirs is just a charity work or humanitarian services unlike other professions. My take remains that journalism is a noble profession for noble men. It is the pursuit of truth and social justice for all to wit; that the society will be a better place for all.
As journalists, we must uphold the principles of press freedom, hold the government accountable, and strive for transparency and accountability in governance. Through collaboration, advocacy, and a commitment to ethical journalism, we can overcome these challenges and build a stronger, more vibrant media landscape in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the challenges facing the media in parliamentary reporting in Nigeria are significant but not insurmountable. By addressing issues such as access to information, training for journalists, censorship, harassment, and financial constraints, we can ensure that parliamentary reporting remains a vital component for the survival and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.
Thank you and God bless you all!
@Paul Mumeh was a two term chairman of the Senate Press Corps [2003-2007], Two term Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate[2007- 2015],
Political Editor of the Old Daily Times of Nigeria plc,
Deputy Editor[Politics] of the Daily Independent Newspapers limited.
