APPRAISAL OF MASS MEDIA CAMPAIGN ON MENACE OF CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA (A case study of NTA, Osogbo)

CHAPTER ONE

1.0       Introduction

1.1    Background to the Study 

The destructive impact of corruption in the live of nations throughout the world is acknowledged. Corruption is perhaps the most important factor that is impeding the accelerated socio-economic and political transformation of developing or Less Developing Countries (LDCs) of the world. In fact, it is recognized by development scholars that the level of reduction in corruption has a very direct link to the level of economic development of nations in the world.

The media and Civil Society groups have been identified as the two very important weapons to fight the scourge of corruption worldwide. In Nigeria, the independent press, by which we refer to the newspapers and the newsmagazines, have been actively involved in checking the excesses of governments and as well as others in positions of authorities.

 The most focused and far-reaching war against corruption in Nigeria could be said to have started during the regime of the erstwhile president of Nigeria, Chief OlusegunObasanjo especially with the establishment ot the two Anti-graft bodies; The Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The establishment of the two bodies provided great impetus for the press to perform the constitutionally ordained role of effectively watching over the activities of the government so as to ensure efficient survive delivery. Despite the strident criticism that the war was biased and the agencies were being used to witch-hunt enemies of the government, the press still provided great support to the ant-graft agencies in its activities.

 A search through Nigerian Newspapers and Magazines in the last nine years of new democratic experiment show that corruption and corruption related matters are among issues that take up sizeable percentage of spaces available in newspapers and news magazines. Major Nigerian Newspapers usually carry between five to ten corruption related new stories per edition. Most of editorial opinions and news features also deal with issues of fighting the scourge of corruption and enthroning transparency in government businesses.

1.2    Statement of the Problem

Since the inauguration of EFCC and ICPC as an anti graft agents by the ACT 2000. It has ever been saddled with the responsibility of preventing and fighting corruption. However, much have been heard about EFCC and ICPC but little has been reported about those that have been prosecuted since 2000 and suspects on their watch list on a regular basis.

Many also see EFCC  and ICPC as tools in hand of ruling party to hand pick their opposition and to oppress. Similarly, little is known about various money and other recoveries made by the EFCC and ICPC therefore, this research intent to x-ray the role expected of mass media in reporting and disseminating the activities of EFCC and other anti graft agencies.

1.3       Objectives of the Study

v    To know whether NTA report bribery and corruption activities in     Nigeria.

v    To examine various NTA educative and enlightenment programme on the general public.

v    To study challenges facing NTA in reporting corrupt activities of the Nigerian leaders.

v    To know whether NTA educative and enlightenment programmes have  reduced corruption in Nigeria?

v    To examine the extent in which ownership influence can affect NTA in reporting on corrupt leaders?

1.4 Research Questions

v    To what extent does NTA report bribery and corruption activities in Nigeria?

v    Does NTA educates and enlighten the general public on the effect of corruption on the national development?

v    Is there any challenge facing NTA in reporting corrupt activities of the      Nigerian leaders?

v    Has NTA educative and enlightenment programmes reduce corruption      in Nigeria?

v    To what extent has ownership influence affect NTA in reporting on Corrupt leaders?

1.5    Significance the Study

          The research findings will benefit not only the mass communication students but also benefit media practitioners on how they can use their media to fight corruption. It will also enable government the need to give press enough freedom to perform their day to day activities.

1.6 Scope of the Study

          Because of time, geographical locations, fund and other necessary logistics, the study is narrowed down to NTA, Osogbo. 

1.7 Definition of Terms

Role: It is the function and contribution of NTA towards curbing corruption.

Mass Media: This is represented by Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) EFCC:  Economic and Financial Crime Commission, It is one of the antigraft agencies.

ICPC: Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, It is one of anti corruption agencies in Nigeria.

Activities: This is day to day effort against corruption by the EFCC and ICPC

Corruption: All forms of misappropriation usually money or property belong to the general public or entity.

Anti- Graft Agency: It is anti corruption agent such as ICPC and EFCC.