By Adewale Kupoluyi
Democracy requires an active media to thrive. This is because the
parameters that constitute good governance, which is a common feature of a
vibrant civil rule, can be measured by the level of accountability,
transparency and rule of law that exist in a country. Ordinarily, it is a
difficult task for many governments to appraise itself whether it is doing well
or not. Hence, the importance of the media in serving as the prism to review
the performance of democratic rule parameters is ever relevant.
An attempt to stifle the media in carrying out these functions
would bring about dire consequences for good governance. A case under
contention is the Nigerian Press Council Amendment Bill, which has already been
debated at the public hearing stage. The bill seeks to regulate journalism
practice by creating a statutory body to arbitrate between the media and the
public. It is on this premise that the media can be compromised that Nigerians
were angered with the new media bill before the National Assembly has been
described as retrogressive, unconstitutional and anti-people.
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| *President Buhari |
