Good governance, as reflected in the areas of social, political, and economic advancement has been described as a prerequisite for the attainment of a full-fledged democracy.
This was part of the resolutions of the Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON), during its 3rd International Conference and Annual General Meeting, held in Lagos.
In a communiqué, signed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Prof. Ralph A. Akinfeleye; President, Prof. Eserinune McCarty Mojaye and Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Prof. Adepoju Tejumaiye, AMCRON emphasised the need to entrench the principle of majority rule, healthy intra and inter-party competition, free and fair election, separation of powers between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, strict adherence to due process and the rule of law, and effective participation of civil society groups (the media as well as civil rights organisations), as part of ensuring that all and sundry promote good governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Themed: “Communication, Mass Media and Governance in Africa: Trajectories, Expectations and Realities,” it was AMCRON’s first hybrid conference, following the past two conference editions in 2021 and 2022, which were fully virtual.
The two-day conference featured six panels – three on each day – and 60 presentations, 48 of which were in person and 12 online/Zoom presentations. Attendees, numbering over 200, included academics, media professionals, representatives of regulatory agencies, representatives of professional bodies, members of the University of Lagos management, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and well-wishers. Participants came from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Malaysia, Germany, and the U.S.A.
According to the communiqué, “Political actors, particularly the electoral body and political parties, are yet to fully tap the potentialities of social media in strengthening democracy and providing good governance in the country and, by extension, the African continent.
“It is important to note that what has failed in Nigeria is not democracy, but the operators of democracy. Democracy is a good thing for Africa, and it is only sustainable if the operators do things rightly and stop the practice of adulterated democracy. A stable political environment is an indispensable ingredient of economic growth and development.”
On the role of the media, the Conference resolved that the Nigerian media are responsible for making the government accountable for their actions and policies, just as the citizens have the right to demand good governance and hold the government responsible for their shortcomings.
“The watchdog role of the media despite the capture is still evident, as was noticeable during the 2023 general elections. Media managers should bring an end to the commercialisation of the media, both broadcasting and print, particularly regarding advertising.
“The media should uphold the ethics of reporting political news and be wary of the undue influence of political advertising during elections. The Nigerian media and security agencies need to work in concert if the objectives of reducing security challenges in Nigeria are to be achieved.
“Media literacy is important in civic engagement and in fostering a discerning electorate; hence, there is a need to promote responsible journalism that educates people. There is a need to intensify efforts on media education and media literacy among the Nigerian populace.
“Free media and freedom of expression are two essential ingredients of democracy and good governance that the media and government should uphold.”
On the relevance of social media and other new media technologies in political engagement, social mobilisation, and digital governance, the conference resolved that the influence of social media on political participation, public discourse, and government responsiveness is undeniable, but challenges related to misinformation and digital divides negatively affect the prospects of equitable and transparent governance on the African continent.
“Social media has enhanced deliberative democracy in the digital age, and it has the potential for constructive deliberation in online forums. Organisations need to actively leverage digital platforms in their PR practices by being open to possibilities in the digital space, while being mindful of the risks of newer technologies such as AI.
“There is a need for a global multi-stakeholder protocol to regulate AI, one where African countries like Nigeria have a say in policy outcomes. The Nigerian populace should be encouraged to make appropriate use of social media platforms in creating and distributing genuine information. Online platforms are not credible media sources; hence, they should be designated as social platforms, not social media.”
Also, the Board of Trustees requested that AMCRON implement the following – creation of a website for the association to enable members communicate and receive regular updates; development and dissemination weekly/monthly newsletters for communication between members.
Earlier, while speaking at the opening ceremony, the Conference Chairman and Head of Trokya Holdings, Dr Biodun Shobanjo, touched on the relevance of AMCRON and the need for the conference to highlight and identify solutions to political and media capture.
On his part, Professor Akinfeleye extolled the surveillance function and the constitutional obligation of the Nigerian media to hold government accountable to the people.
Additionally, Professor Mojaye, called for increased funding and support for AMCRON and media research more broadly, as a way of promoting the media’s role in good governance.
Professor Adepoju Tejumaiye, commented on the vital link between media and governance, calling for greater support for the media in this endeavour.
Goodwill messages also came from the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, who was represented by Prof. Adepoju Tejumaiye; the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Professor Laja Odukoya; the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos, Prof. Abraham Osinubi; the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, represented by Mr. Dipo Odebowale; the Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, represented by Mr. Raphael Akpan; and the Director-General, News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Ali Muhammad Ali, represented by Mr. Kayode Olaitan.
Others are President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, represented by the Group Managing Director of CMC Connect, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okunsanya; and the Director-General, Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Jibrin Baba Ndace, represented by Mrs. Mary Atolagbe.
