The Role Of The Print Media In Political Stability In Nigeria (1993 – 1998)

ABSTRACT

The study of the Role of the Print Media in Political Stability in Nigeria (1993 –

1998) was galvanized by the fact that since the end of the civil war in Nigeria in

1970, there was no time the issue of political stability suffered a set back like

during Abacha era. While NADECO and other pro – democracy groups were

struggling against the regime, government on the other hand was arresting people.

The era showed a contrasting trend that needed to be examined. It now became

interesting to see how the press covered or reported events during Abacha era. To

tackle this research problem, the study examined how the Nigerian private news

magazines appreciated, reported and analysed issues relating to political stability

under the rule of General Sani Abacha junta. Secondly, the study examined the

disposition of the news magazines on the clamour for the convocation of

Sovereign National Conference and the annulment of the June 12, 1993

Presidential election was based on political, ethnic, religious or pecuniary interest.

Lastly, the study investigated if all the news magazines operated in a professional

and ethical manner and whether this did enhance Political Stability or Instability.

In carrying out this investigation, the following approaches, namely: content

analysis, historical, analytical and comparative research techniques were adopted

as framework. The historical approach helped to put in context the history of the

four media houses investigated and how their editorial outlook and reporting style

impacted on Political Stability. The analytical technique permitted the study do a

critical analysis of the nature and content of the news carried by Tell; The News;

Hotline and Citizen Magazines in relating to the issue of Political Stability.

Finally, the comparative approach allowed the study to compare the four media

houses in connection with their reports on national issues between 1993 – 1998.

At the end of this research work, it was discovered that the press was more

favourable than unfavourable towards political stability in Nigeria in its coverage

of events post June 12, 1993 Presidential election annulment. The evidence arising

from a content analysis of 233 editions of the four privately owned news

magazines, namely Tell, The News, Hotline and Citizen examined via editorials,

news items and feature articles between 1993 and 1998 showed that the news

magazines published more items that were favourable than unfavourable to

Political Stability, national interest and were Professional in their practice of

journalism.