A peculiar mix of democracy, media and governance
Most of the perception of media practitioners by politicians is either that of subservient tools to be manipulated or an extension of the opposition. Their roles are often misunderstood as that of public relations practitioners. The media is more than a collective of trumpet-blowers. It is the fourth estate of the realm, described as the […]
Most of the perception of media practitioners by politicians is either that of subservient tools to be manipulated or an extension of the opposition. Their roles are often misunderstood as that of public relations practitioners. The media is more than a collective of trumpet-blowers. It is the fourth estate of the realm, described as the most important segment of any democratic set-up. A democracy without media is worse than a military dictatorship, and Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State made this clear when he hosted the 2014 Guild of Editors conference recently.
In his opening remarks, the governor identified the traditional role of the media in educating, informing and entertaining the citizenry as all-encompassing and strategic, especially in a democratic society where individual freedom, openness and transparency in government are enshrined. While challenging journalists to promote freedom and national unity, the governor added that freedom has never been absolute. So he commented that: “Many politicians think that it is their right to say or write whatever they want even if it amounts to assassinating the character of their opponents. Freedom of one individual cannot compromise that of another under democracy and rule of law.”
In advanced democracies, he said, citizens are cautious in their exercise of their freedom of expression because the judiciary is very protective of the rights of all concerned. But in most African societies, especially Nigeria, people are reluctant to go to courts and claim damages because going to court is largely seen as going too extreme in pursuance of justice. But this should not be the case. In fact, this is the more reason why judiciary is an integral part of democratic system. The Governor also added that Journalists are human beings with interest and institutions. “To what extent do you, as Editors, uphold the ethics of your profession that the truth is sacred?” he asked.
While raising the fundamental question, Governor Shema it is important because not everything is worth publishing. “That is why they are called Editors. They are gate-keepers. The more garbage they allow into their media houses, the more the houses lose reputation and respect, nationally and internationally,” he said.
The governor also utilized the opportunity of hosting the senior journalists by narrating how residents of Katsina State are also aware of how his administration re-engineered the State Radio and Television for effective delivery of services. His administration also executed 58 road projects including the ring road. Even as the list goes on, it is therefore obvious to understand the role of media, as the first and most important steps to engineering a cordial working relationship between the press and politicians, all in an effort to strengthen the democratic dispensation that is today over 16 years old. I have no choice but to offer kudos to a governor who understands this.
Nagado wrote from Dutsinma ([email protected])