Nigerian Press in Political and National Development Since 1859

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By Livinus Nnebedum

The Press in a nut-shell, could be described as the communication channel through which ideas, information and directives could be diffused from the walls of the press and the government to the door-steps of the public and vice versa.

The role of the Press in National development could be traced back to 1859 when the first newspaper called “Iwe Irohin” in Yoruba Language was established in Nigeria. That time the newspaper served as a link in the chain of those missionary journalists who sought to encourage education and enlightenment. Other media like radio and television started in 1959 to play major role in the interaction process of Nigerians. The Press have shaped culture, influenced politics, played important role in business and affected the daily lives of many people.

Radio and Television serve as the fastest means of disseminating information to the people. With improvement in literacy level, maturity and advancement in politics, it becomes imperative to make effective use of Radio, TV and Newspapers to reach the grass-root for political awareness, political campaigns and good governance. Just like President Franklin Roosevelt (32nd President of America in 1933 to 1945) used radio to create a personal relationship with the American public, President Kennedy (35th President of America 1961 to 1963) became the first president to effectively  use live television on a regular basis especially during his Presidential Press Conference.

The role of the Press in the attainment of Nigeria’s Independence in 1960 cannot be overemphasized. In fact the “Symbiotic Association” existing among the Press, the politicians, the government and the governed could not be separated. For instance, the founders of many political parties have been involved with the Press in one way or the other. The Press should continue to serve as a vital link for the transfer and nurture of Nigeria political parties’ formation.

The Press can influence directly the opinion of the literate society and also influence the illiterate masses to some extent on the basis that for every one literate, who read a Nigerian Newspaper, many illiterate ones are assumed to have its comment read or retold to them.

There is possibility of someone staying at home and knowing literally about the whole World by reading copies of newspapers, magazines, books, journals and listening to news on TV, radio and using telephones, internet services etc. Globalization and Information Technology as an important tool for rapid Political and Economic Development of Nigeria is well noted.

Newspapers and their editors played vital role in the formation of political parties in Nigeria. In 1923, the first political party Nigerian National Democratic Party, (NNDP) was formed. The Editors of early Nigerian Newspapers namely; Jackson Horatio of Lagos Weekly Record News played major roles in formation of that party.

The influence of the Press and journalists did not end with the formation of the early political parties. It extended to other parties in Nigeria before the advent of military regime in 1966; such parties like National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and the Action Group (AG).

It should be recalled that Zik was the first General Secretary of the NCNC and Herbert Macaulay, the President. It is also good to remember Zik as journalist, Author, politician, philosopher, Historian and many more during his life time 1904 to 1996.

The three Estates, Arms or Realms of the Government are the Executives, Judiciary and the Legislature while the fourth is the Press which operates in Pari-Passu with the three Arms. Thus by practice, they depend on each other and they should work together hence, the Press serve as link and communication channels through which ideas, information and directives are diffused from the walls of the Press and the government to the door-steps of the public or the people being governed and vice-versa.

Livinus Nnebedum, Author, Public Affairs Analyst and Former Director in Anambra State Agricultural Development Program (ADP) writes from Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze, Anambra State.

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