Научная статья на тему 'Newspaper coverage of issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria’s electoral process (November 2018 - February 2019)'

Newspaper coverage of issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria’s electoral process (November 2018 - February 2019) Текст научной статьи по специальности «СМИ (медиа) и массовые коммуникации»

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Ключевые слова
ELECTORAL PROCESS / ELECTION CAMPAIGN / ISSUE-BASED / POLITICAL STATEMENTS / MEDIA / NIGERIA / ИЗБИРАТЕЛЬНЫЙ ПРОЦЕСС / ИЗБИРАТЕЛЬНАЯ КАМПАНИЯ / ПРОБЛЕМНО-ОРИЕНТИРОВАННЫЕ / ПОЛИТИЧЕСКИЕ ЗАЯВЛЕНИЯ / МЕДИА / НИГЕРИЯ

Аннотация научной статьи по СМИ (медиа) и массовым коммуникациям, автор научной работы — Ikpegbu Emmanuel, Ihejirika Walter

Избирательный процесс в Нигерии сейчас более динамичный, чем в предыдущие годы, благодаря характеру соревновательности среди политиков. В попытке продать кандидатов и привлечь голоса избирателей политические партии участвуют в избирательных кампаниях, в ходе которых делаются заявления. Кампании должны ориентироваться на проблемы общественной важности, но в некоторых случаях комментарии являются лишь выражением личных настроений. Пресса это не только четвертая власть в мире, но и голос людей, которые сообщают о своих проблемах для информиравания/просвещения избирателей. Эта статья рассматривает освещение в газетах тематических политических заявлений и кампаний в ходе избирательного процесса в Нигерии в 2019 году. В теоретическом плане формат исследования задан двумя рамками Теории постановки повестки дня и Теории для медиа периода развития. В работе использовались как количественные, так и качественные методы; исследование охватывало газетные сообщения двух национальных ежедневных газет, Vanguard и The Punch. В общей сложности были изучены 76 изданий с использованием контент-анализа; при этом цитируемые высказывания подтверждали выдвинутые положения. Данные были представлены с помощью частотных таблиц и проанализированы с использованием простых процентов. В газетах было найдено 116 сообщений на интересующую нас тему. В статье показано, что, хотя некоторые национальные проблемы, такие как реструктуризация, безопасность, коррупция, экономика и электричество в газетах освещались, однако значительно больший объем политических заявлений не был основан на конкретном материале. Необходимо, чтобы пресса уделяла меньше внимания вопросам, которые не могут адекватно информировать избирателей. В нашей работе рекомендуется, чтобы пресса использовала редакционные статьи для организации комментирования общественно-важных тем. Исследование также внесло свой вклад в академические знания как оригинальный первоначальный анализ политических заявлений на всеобщих выборах 2019 года.The electoral process in Nigeria is now more dynamic than in earlier years because of the nature of competitions among politicians. In a bid to sell candidates and woo voters, political parties engage in election campaigns during which statements are made. Campaigns ought to address issues of public importance, but in some instances the comments are mere expressions of personal sentiments. The press is not just the fourth estate of the realm but also the voice of the people to report issues for voters’ enlightenment. This paper examined newspaper coverage of issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria’s 2019 electoral process. Two theoretical frameworks for the study were Agenda Setting Theory and Development Media Theory. The study was both quantitative and qualitative, covering newspaper reports from two national dailies, Vanguard and The Punch. A total of 76 editions were studied using the content analysis research design, with quoted statements buttressing the argument. The data were presented with frequency tables and analysed through simple percentages. There were 116 reports on the subject in the dailies. The paper found out that while there were coverage over some national issues like restructuring, security, corruption, economy, and electricity, the greater volume of political statements were not issue-based. There is the need for the press to pay less attention on matters that would not serve to educate voters adequately. The study recommends that the press use the editorials to canvass for issue-based comments. The study also contributed to knowledge as the seminal analysis of political statements in 2019 general elections.

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Текст научной работы на тему «Newspaper coverage of issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria’s electoral process (November 2018 - February 2019)»

NEWSPAPER COVERAGE OF ISSUE-BASED POLITICAL STATEMENTS AND CAMPAIGNS IN NIGERIA'S ELECTORAL PROCESS (NOVEMBER 2018 - FEBRUARY 2019)_

Emmanuel Ikpegbu (a), Walter Ihejirika (b)

(a) University of Port Harcourt. Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Email: emmanuelikpegbu[at]gmail.com

(b) University of Port Harcourt. Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Email: walter.ihejirika[at]uniport.edu.ng

Abstract

Thee electoral process in Nigeria is now more dynamic than in earlier years because of the nature of competitions among politicians. In a bid to sell candidates and woo voters, political parties engage in election campaigns during which statements are made. Campaigns ought to address issues of public importance, but in some instances the comments are mere expressions of personal sentiments. Thee press is not just the fourth estate of the realm but also the voice of the people to report issues for voters' enlightenment. Theis paper examined newspaper coverage of issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's 2019 electoral process. Two theoretical frameworks for the study were Agenda Setting Theeory and Development Media Theeory. Thee study was both quantitative and qualitative, covering newspaper reports from two national dailies, Vanguard and Thee Punch. A total of 76 editions were studied using the content analysis research design, with quoted statements buttressing the argument. Thee data were presented with frequency tables and analysed through simple percentages. Theere were 116 reports on the subject in the dailies. Thee paper found out that while there were coverage over some national issues like restructuring, security, corruption, economy, and electricity, the greater volume of political statements were not issue-based. Theere is the need for the press to pay less attention on matters that would not serve to educate voters adequately. Thee study recommends that the press use the editorials to canvass for issue-based comments. Thee study also contributed to knowledge as the seminal analysis of political statements in 2019 general elections.

Keywords

electoral process; election campaign; issue-based; political statements; media; Nigeria

Theis work is licensed under a Creative Commons «Attribution» 4.0 International License.

ОСВЕЩЕНИЕ В ГАЗЕТАХ ПОЛИТИЧЕСКИХ ЗАЯВЛЕНИЙ И КАМПАНИЙ, ОРИЕНТИРОВАННЫХ НА ПРОБЛЕМЫ ОБЩЕСТВЕННОЙ ВАЖНОСТИ, В ИЗБИРАТЕЛЬНОМ ПРОЦЕССЕ В НИГЕРИИ (НОЯБРЬ 2018 ГОДА - ФЕВРАЛЬ 2019 ГОДА)_

Икпегбу Эммануэль (а), Ихеджирика Вальтер (b)

(a) Университет Порт Харкорт. Порт Харкорт, Нигерия. Email: emmanuelikpegbu[at]gmail.com

(b) Университет Порт Харкорт. Порт Харкорт, Нигерия. Email: walter.ihejirika[at]uniport.edu.ng

Аннотация

Избирательный процесс в Нигерии сейчас более динамичный, чем в предыдущие годы, благодаря характеру соревновательности среди политиков. В попытке продать кандидатов и привлечь голоса избирателей политические партии участвуют в избирательных кампаниях, в ходе которых делаются заявления. Кампании должны ориентироваться на проблемы общественной важности, но в некоторых случаях комментарии являются лишь выражением личных настроений. Пресса - это не только четвертая власть в мире, но и голос людей, которые сообщают о своих проблемах для информиравания/просвещения избирателей. Эта статья рассматривает освещение в газетах тематических политических заявлений и кампаний в ходе избирательного процесса в Нигерии в 2019 году. В теоретическом плане формат исследования задан двумя рамками - Теории постановки повестки дня и Теории для медиа периода развития. В работе использовались как количественные, так и качественные методы; исследование охватывало газетные сообщения двух национальных ежедневных газет, Vanguard и Thee Punch. В общей сложности были изучены 76 изданий с использованием контент-анализа; при этом цитируемые высказывания подтверждали выдвинутые положения. Данные были представлены с помощью частотных таблиц и проанализированы с использованием простых процентов. В газетах было найдено 116 сообщений на интересующую нас тему. В статье показано, что, хотя некоторые национальные проблемы, такие как реструктуризация, безопасность, коррупция, экономика и электричество в газетах освещались, однако значительно больший объем политических заявлений не был основан на конкретном материале. Необходимо, чтобы пресса уделяла меньше внимания вопросам, которые не могут адекватно информировать избирателей. В нашей работе рекомендуется, чтобы пресса использовала редакционные статьи для организации комментирования общественно-важных тем. Исследование также внесло свой вклад в академические знания как оригинальный первоначальный анализ политических заявлений на всеобщих выборах 2019 года.

Ключевые слова

избирательный процесс; избирательная кампания; проблемно-ориентированные; политические заявления; медиа; Нигерия

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Это произведение доступно по лицензии Creative Commons «Attribution» («Атрибуция») 4.0 Всемирная

OVERVIEW_

Prior to the 2019 elections, the political space in Nigeria was marked by mixed feelings and realities because for many citizens, the government had not met their yearnings. Thee poor economic state of the people and the ailing economy of the nation, the rampant spate of killings by herdsmen and Boko Haram terrorists in the North as well as pockets of crime is several parts of the South, raised much concern. In South-East, there was the growing agitation against marginalisation by citizens and groups like the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), who called for secession. And virtually every geopolitical zone clamoured for restructuring. But amidst these scenes, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari believed that it had done very much in the country to improve the economy, improve security and fight against corruption. And the government had confidence going into the general elections.

Electioneering campaigns are expected to be issue-based because through it the electorate makes decisions. Some have argued that the atmosphere of the last election was explosive (Sobowale, 2019). Thee campaigns was officially declared open by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on November 18, 2019, but prior to that date, there had been efforts and statements to woo voters through rallies and other forums. It was declared by the electoral umpire that both parties and candidates should conduct themselves in organised, peaceful, rancor-free, hate and/or inflammatory speeches-free way (Egburonu & Odufowokan, 2018).

But, rather than address burning issues in the country and sell opinions on how to better the country, politicians and their parties were often seen speaking of non-issue-based matters. Chief among the parties and politicians were the presidential candidates of the leading All Progressive Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari and the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Thee candidates' campaign organs were found expressing venoms against each other through name calling, allegations, insults, etc. (Iheanacho, 2019).

One of the forms of statements made during political campaigns is hate speech. Hate can be referred to as the use of discriminatory sobriquet to malign, stigmatise or abuse someone or people on the grounds of origin, socio-economics, religion, association etc. through verbal expression, demonstrative actions, written content that would cause others to engage in negative attitude towards the object (Adibe, 2015). Because of one's background, orientation or intention, hate can be demonstrated towards

such and whenever there is a denigrating communication in that wise, Kukah (2015) believes that there is hate speech. Thee effect of every hate speech is disaffection towards the person or group referred to. And it is the belief of Mrabure (2016) that necessary steps need to be taken to discourage hate speech because besides its direct effects on the 'hated', the populace are likely to suffer from denial of freedom of expression through it.

Sometimes, the statements made by politicians may not even be hate speech but could be claims on things they would not fulfill. Theey often look at the pressing needs of the people and make promises that cannot not be kept. One of such borders on gender equality in governance. It is believed that women are not well represented in the political space and the present call is even for quota participation (Okorie, 2016; Olatunde, 2010; Audu, 2008). It is therefore usual to hear statements reassuring the female voting strength. Anorue, Obayi and Onyebuchi (2012) believe that attention should be sincerely accorded to women in the polity.

While there are several institutions in the society that wields much influence, the role of the press in determining what takes place in the country cannot be overemphasised. It can mould the form of political issues and actors through the nature of its communication to the audience. Here is the critical role of agenda setting the press stands to play (Da-vaney, 2013). Thee reason for such an understanding is not farfetched. People could perceive individuals, institutions or government in the direction the press portrays it. Hampl (2017) puts it this way: "Thee representation of social actors could indicate in what way particular parties, camps, or individuals are portrayed in discourse" (p. 56). Thee press stand as the voice of the masses and what they publish has a lot of impact. In many instances, media could decide to focus attention on certain issues such that it becomes a national subject. Theey could also silence an aspect of development that they do not find worthy of public knowledge. Theis is why Chiluwa (2011) espouses the understanding of the press having the power to conceal facts or reveal secrets.

STUDY OBJECTIVES_

Thee aim of this paper was to ascertain newspaper coverage of issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics from November 2018 to February 2019. Thee specific objectives were to:

1. Find out the frequency of stories on issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics in the dailies;

2. Identify the types of reports on issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics in the newspapers;

3. Ascertain the different kinds of political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics in newspapers;

4. Find out the placement of stories on issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics in the newspapers; and

5. Ascertain the directionality of newspaper reports on issue-based political statement and campaigns in Nigeria's politics.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS_

1. How frequent were stories on issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics in the dailies?

2. What are the types of reports on issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics in the newspapers?

3. What are the different kinds of political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics in newspapers?

4. How were the stories on issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics placed in the newspapers?

5. What is the directionality of newspaper reports on issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics?

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

It is a common belief in the communication world that the press can actually construct news to form a worldview for the audience (Wahl-Jorgensen & Hanitzch, 2009). Theis is due to the place of the media in setting agenda for the audience. Thee agenda setting theory, being one of the most popular frameworks in media studies, originated from the ideas of Walter Lippman's Public Opinion of 1922; theorised by Bernard Cohen in 1963 and crystalised by Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw in 1972 (Mc-Quiail, 2010; Baran & Davies, 2009). Thee understanding is that what the media presents to the public is often taken as issues that worth attention and becomes the audience agenda at the long run.

On the other hand, Development Media Theeory was propounded by Dennis McQuiail in 1987 to espouse the place of the press in societies. It is an extension of the earlier forms of the Normative Theeories to include the roles that developing nations' media have to play to bring about the needed positive change in the society (Anaeto, Onabanjo & Osifeso, 2008). It is believed that the press owe the country a statutory responsibility to carry out development activities that are in tandem with the laws and

policies established in the land. Theus, the media have freedom and responsibilities not only to inform, but to inform properly; not just to educate, but to educate effectively; not just to entertain, but to entertain intelligently. It thus deals with press behaviour.

Theese theories are cogent because the agenda setting theory draws attention to the press' role of bringing important issues to public discussion while the development media theory demands responsible journalism from the media.

ISSUES IN NIGERIA AND ELECTION CAMPAIGNS_

Election takes place in a politically charged atmosphere where citizens prepare themselves to perform their constitutional roles by voting (Musbeh, 2018). Political parties have been described as indispensable means for representative democracies (Pippa, 2005), bearing in mind that the democratic system is made up of the agencies like political parties which make democracy feasible as the loop for governance (IDEA, 2017). And in many countries, a multiparty system is adopted in which more than two political parties contest in elections. It is therefore necessary to strengthen political parties in every society (Sete, 2018). Given that democracy is a ground order of political legitimacy in the society, politicians make every attempt to sway voters (Held, 2006; Adeleke, 2006) during electioneering campaigns. Theus, statements made are often aimed at galvanising support.

Thee 2019 general elections in Nigeria witnessed another round of political campaigns which availed politicians the opportunity to inform the electorates what they would do if voted into power. Unlike the 2015 general elections when there were only 14 presidential candidates, the last election had 73 of them vying for the exalted seat. But the contest was basically between APC and PDP. Among the issues that faced the nation and demanded for attention were those of security, anti-corruption fight, economy, unemployment, electricity, job creation, and restructuring. It is believed that the ability to address these could influence voting (Egburonu & Odufowokan, 2018; Unah, 2019).

THE PRESS AND REPORTAGE OF POLITICAL STATEMENTS

Theere is an enormous role that is expected of the press in the democratic process of Nigeria. Iredia (2007) puts it this way: "Thee people must be assisted to premise their choices of rationality and vote wisely during elections. Theey must have all information that is needed to elect the right candidates who can ensure good governance". He also added, "Where

such public awareness is lacking, those of us in the media must accept a share of the blame of failed elections in Nigeria" (p. 12). It is therefore important that the press do not just pass information to the public as much as it evolves, but that they go further in analysing the reports for readers' appreciation as well as focusing on relevant issues.

Thee objective of reporting political statements and campaigns is to enable voters who rely on the press to become very much acquainted with the candidates and parties in order to make informed decisions at the poll for good governance (Dimitrova, Sheheta, Stromback & Nord, 2014; Carkoglu, Baruh & Yildirim, 2014). Thee understanding of many scholars and analysts today is that it is unthinkable to hold elections in contempo -rary times without the contribution of the media (Ace Project, 2012; Ibrahim, Ogwezzy-Ndesikka & Tejumaiye, 2015).

In their study, Asiru, Ogutu and Orwenjo (2018) found out that there was bias in newspaper reportage of political parties and candidates in the 2011 elections. While a particular party, the ruling party was projected positively, the main opposition was presented negatively as other contending parties were accorded least attention. Again, Ojebuyi and Chuk-wunwike (2018) found out that female politicians receive less attention in Nigerian newspaper reportage compared to male folk who had more coverage and prominence in the publications. In a study championed by Busi-nessDay Media and NOIPolls in November 2014, it was found out that:

More than half (57%) of the Nigerian adult population believe political campaigns are not focusing on current issues in the country; this perception cuts across all regions, although residents of North-West zone maintained a different perspective as the majority in this region believe the campaigns of politicians are focused on addressing the present issues. In line with this, a significant proportion (48%) of Nigerians stated politicians should focus on addressing security in their campaigns to make meaningful impact. Theis stance was mostly maintained by residents of the North-East (70%) and North-West (62%) given the current state of insecurity in these regions. Job Creation and Education were also considered as priority for focus among other areas...A view of the pressing issues in Nigeria demonstrates Education (67%) as the most pressing national issue that needs to be tackled, followed by Electricity (39%), Infrastructure (38%), and Water (34%), among others; even though Nigerians believe current campaigns should focus on security (NOI Polls, 2015).

Thee implications of the above are that while the press could be biased, previous electioneering processes witnessed much of non-issue-based statements because the campaigns where not development focused. Thee 2019 election presents another opportunity to evaluate the experience by understanding what was portrayed in the newspapers.

METHODOLOGY_

Theis study was conducted through the content analysis research method because it focused on press coverage of political statements made towards the 2019 general elections in Nigeria. Theis method is recommended for media contents (Kerlinger, 2000). Thee study population is comprised of all national dailies from which Vanguard and Punch were sampled. Both dailies have national circulation and credibility. Thee study covered three months: November 2018, January and February 2019. Theese months marked the official launching of the political campaign and its closing. Thee study designed a code sheet and a code guide for data gathering in which it had the unit of analysis as story type, issue-based, non-issue-based, placement, frequency, and directionality. Thee content categories included security, economy, job creation, infrastructure, education, water supply, electricity, health, restructuring, agriculture, road/transport, anticorruption, industrialization, and 'others' as issue-based indicators whereas name-calling, allegations, and partisanship formed the non-issue-based indicators. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, were adopted to form a composite week. Theere were a total 76 publications from both dailies within the period of the study. In the presentation and analysis of data, the study employed tables and simple percentages for clarity.

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA_

Research Question One: How frequent were stories on issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics in the dailies?

Item

November

Period January

February

No.

Published Stories

Percent Published Percent Published Percent Total

(%) 1 Tished (%) 1 Tished (%)

Stories Stories

Vanguard Punch

21 48.8 (36.2)

22 51.2 (37.9)

19 23

45.2 (32.7) 54.8 (39.7)

18 58.06 (31) 58

13 41.9 (22.4) 58

Total

43

100 (37.06)

42

100 (36.2)

31 100 (26.7) 116

Table 1: Frequency of Reports on Political Statements

Table 1 reveals that there were more political statements before the election date given that it recorded constant decline in the number of reported statements, from 37.06% in November 2018 to 26.7% in February,

2019, which was the period of the election. Theus, it can be said that when the election drew closer, politicians focused more on actions than words.

Research Question Two: What are the types of reports on issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics in the newspapers?

Vanguard Punch Percent (%)

Type of Story No. Report Percent (%) No. Report Percent (%) Total

Straight news 57 98.27 58 100 115 99.1

Letters 0 0 0 0 0 0

Cartoons/ pictures/Ad 0 0 0 0 0 0

Opinion article 0 0 0 0 0 0

Features 1 1.7 0 0 1 0.86

Editorial 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 58 100 58 100 116 100

Table 2: Story types on Political Statements

Thee data in Table 2 reveals that almost all the statements made were reported as straight news in the dailies. Only one features had a statement.

Research Question Tharee: What are the different kinds of political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics in newspapers?

November January February Per

Issue Indicator Vangu ard Pun ch To tal Vangu ard Pun ch To tal Vangu ard Pun ch To tal Cum. Total cen t (%)

Security 2 3 5 1 1 2 1 1 2 9 7.75

Economy 2 3 5 2 1 3 0 1 1 9 7.75

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Job creation 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.86

Infrastructure 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Education 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.86

Water supply 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Electricity 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Health 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0.86

Restructuring 2 2 4 1 1 2 1 0 1 7 6.03

Agriculture 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Road/ Transport 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 1.7

Anticorruption 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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Industrializatio n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Other issue-based 3 2 5 3 2 5 4 4 8 18 15.5

Name-calling 7 2 9 5 2 7 2 1 3 19 16.4

Allegations 2 6 8 2 8 10 3 4 7 25 21.5

Partisanship 4 4 8 4 5 9 5 2 7 24 20.7

Total 22 24 46 19 20 39 17 14 31 116 100

Table 3: Kinds of Statements (Indicators) on Political Statements

Table 3 illustrates that some issues were not reported in the headlines of the newspapers within the period under review. Among such were infrastructure, water supply, electricity, agriculture, anti-corruption, and industrialization. And these are among the issue-based campaign subjects the electorates expects to hear which sums up to 41.3%. But the non-issue-based subjects like name-calling (16.4%), allegations (21.5%) and partisanship (20.7%) took more of the statements, which together made up 58.6% of the entire reports. Theis implies that more of the statements during the political campaign were not issue-based.

Research Question Four: How were the stories on issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics placed in the newspapers?

November January February

Promine nce Vang uard Pu nc h To tal Vang uard Pu nc h To tal Vang uard Pu nc h To tal Tot al Perce nt (%)

Front Page 12 12 24 5 8 13 3 4 7 44 37.9

Inside Page 10 12 22 14 12 26 14 10 24 72 62.1

Centre Page 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Back Page 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 22 24 46 19 20 39 17 14 31 116 100

Table 4: Placement of Stories on Political Statements

From Table 4, it can be understood that none of the statements appeared on the centre nor back page but only on the front and inside page. Thee number of stories that appeared on the front page (37.9) among the 116 reports on political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics,

speaks of the attention that accorded the issue. It is the cover page stories that are often used to sell the newspaper.

Research Question Five: What is the directionality of newspaper reports on issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's politics?

Directionalit y November January February Tot al Perce nt (%)

Vangu ard Pun ch To tal Vangu ard Pun ch To tal Vangu ard Pun ch To tal

Favourable 2 3 5 3 2 5 1 0 1 11 9.5

Neutral 16 18 34 14 16 30 14 13 27 91 78.4

Unfavourable 4 3 7 2 2 4 2 1 3 14 12.06

Total 22 24 46 19 20 39 17 14 31 116 100

Table 5: Direction of Reports on Political Statements

Table 5 highlights that most of the reports were neutral in the presentation, given the 78.4%. Theis implies that the stories reported political statements with less supportive or unsupportive approach.

SOME POLITICAL STATEMENTS ON ISSUES IN THE DAILIES_

Thee data presented in above in Table 3 reveals that few of the statements were on issue-based subjects whereas more of the speeches were on non-issue-base. Some of the issue-based statements are as follows:

Restructuring 2019 Presidency: We'll back only candidates that support restructuring - Aare Adams

As the 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba Land, I [Gani Adams] must not be partisan, every son and daughter of Yoruba Land has every right to visit me. Only a presidential candidate that has passion and believes in the restructuring of Nigeria will be supported.

By Dupo Akinrefon, Vanguard, November 26, 2018, p. 11

Restructuring: Buhari, Osinbajo deceitful, say Afenifere, Ohaneze

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday came under attack over their separate remarks on the ongoing call for restructuring of the country.

"It is either these people are slow at learning or they cannot understand issues around them. We have made the issues very clear on what the call for restructuring is about" (Yinka Odumakin).

By O. Fabiyi, O. Adetayo, O. Atoyebi & O. Aluko, Punch, Nov. 14, 2018,

pp. 1 & 2

Economy & Atiku will reduce fuel price, say PDP

Transportation Thee Peoples' Democratic Party has said its presidential candidate has worked out a pricing template that will immediately crash the pump price of fuel in the country.

By Olusola Fabiyi, Punch, November 2, 2018, p. 10

Atiku promises to revive Warri Seaport, complete Second Niger Bridge

Thee presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku, has promised to revive the Warri Seaport in Delta State.

By Ochei Matthew, Punch February 1, 2019, p.7

Infrastructure Sanwo-Olu 'll not abandon ongoing projects, says Ambode

& Health "I am so excited about the fact that Mr. Sanwo-Olu has actually come out here and he has issued a promissory note and what that means is that we are going to have a government of continuity" (Akinwunmi Ambode).

By Oladimeji Ramon, Punch, November 23, 2018, p. 6

Imo Guber: Ohakim promises to reduce mortality rate by 60%

Thee Imo state governorship candidate of the Accord Party, Ikedi Ohakim, yesterday promised to implement a policy he said would reduce the mortality rate in the state by 60 per cent.

By Chinonso Alozie, Vangaurd, January 9, 2019, p. 15

Thee above excerpts are some of the political statements made during the 2019 general elections campaign period. Theese were part of the issue-based speeches by the candidates and their parties. It is expected that campaigns should serve as platforms for aspirants to inform the electorates on what they would do if given the opportunity. Besides some of the accounts of issue-based statements by politicians reported in the dailies, there were more non-issue-based statements, as indicated in the data. Some of such include:

Name-Calling Okorocha, Yari, Amosun, suffering change trauma, Oshiomhole

National chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said that the three govs opposed to his conduct of party primaries in their states were behaving like drug addicts suffering from 'withdrawal symptoms'.

By Omeiza Ajayi, Vanguard, November 2, 2018, pp. 1 & 41

Buhari no match for Atiku, PDP - Atiku's leading gang of mercantile politicians, APC responds

Ahead of the 2019 presidential election, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to a live, one-on-one debate with its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on critical sectors of the nation's economy.

By Dirisu Yakubu & Omeiza Ajayi, Vanguard, November 26, 2018, p. 8

Tinubu attacks Atiku, says ex-VP not fit for president

Thee national leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, has said former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar does not deserve another shot at power because he blew his opportunity during his eight years reign under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

By Oladimeji Ramon, Punch, January 9, 2019, p. 40

Allegations Presidential poll: Atiku's integrity questionable - Tinubu

National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday, said unlike President Muhammadu Buhari, the integrity of presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar is questionable.

"Leave a naira on the table with Buhari in the room, you will find the naira on the table when you return.. .With Atiku, things are more nuanced...His compass has four models pointing in different directions at the same time" (Tinubu).

By Dapo Akirefon, Vanguard, January 9, 2019, p. 11

Buhari using govt funds for campaign, says Atiku

Thee presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has that President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress, is using government funds for his presidential campaign.

By Success Nwogu, Punch, January 11, 2019, p. 7

Buhari, APC can't be trusted, says Atiku at Lagos rally

Thee presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the Al Progressive Congress, can no longer be trusted because they have not kept any of the promises they made to Nigerians while soliciting their votes four years ago.

By Femi Makinde, Punch, February 13, 2019, p. 7

Partisanship 2019 Imo guber: I'll support Nwosu if he joins another party -Okorocha

Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha, yesterday said he would support his son-in-law Mr. Uche Nwosu, for the governorship race in Imo, should he (Nwosu) join another political party.

By Chinonso Alozie, Vanguard, November 28, 2018, p. 8

Oshiomhole: Once you join the APC, your sins are forgiven

Thee National chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, urged members of opposition party to join the APC so that their sins could be forgiven.

By S. Nwogu, T. Onojeghen & A. Peter, Punch, January 18, 2019, pp. 1& 2

Re-list us, or no polls in Rivers - APC candidates

Candidates of All Progressive Congress, APC, for the 2019 elections in Rivers State have said they will not allow elections to hold in the state if Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, does not relist them in the ballot for the general election.

By E. Yafugborhi & D. Iheanachor, Vanguard, February 15, p. 1

In the above statements, it is clear that the issues raised against the individuals mentioned are nothing but personal sentiments rather than topical issues of public interest. By describing Okorocha, Yari and Amo-sun as suffering from "withdrawal symptoms", the speaker is invariably saying that they are mentally weak and short of right thinking mind. On the second statement, the intention is to tag the candidate and his party as commercially minded persons who only want to exploit the people. And in the last statement, the speaker wants the electorate not to even mention the name because the person is not qualified to start with. All these expressions were geared to discrediting the individuals. Thee allegations on integrity, misuse of public fund and lack of trust are also geared towards smearing the personalities. Thee partisanship depict how attached the individuals are such that it is only what concerns them that matters.

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS_

Frequency of Reports on Political Statements and Campaigns

From the findings in Table 1, it was discovered that more political statements were made before the date of the election as the newspapers recorded decline in reportage on the issue, close to the election. Theat is, while the dailies reported much of political statements within the period, the number of reports dropped from 37.06% to 26.7% by the last month of

the campaign. Corroborating this qualitative data were the statements cited above, which also indicated that more non-issue-based speeches were uttered at the earlier part of the campaign period. Theis indicates that the press follow issues and political actors as they move such that when they raise their voices, the media highlights such and when they keep silent, the same is reflected in the reports. Asiru, Ogutu and Orwenjo (2018) found out that the press do accord attention to political actors in their reportage. Theis finding supports the Agenda Setting theory that the press set the tone for discussion of issues.

Story Types on Political Statements and Campaigns

Among the types of stories, the findings show that almost all the reports came as straight news (99.1%), which meant that it was the statements made by the politicians that formed a good part of the newspaper reports. Theis brings out the principle of salience in the agenda theory of the media. Thee newspapers were able to emphasise that stories about statements made by politicians during the period were newsworthy and should be emphasized.

Kinds of Political Statements in Campaigns

Thee study had two major classes of indicators on the kinds of statements. It was found out that there were less of issue-based statements given that the sum of such is 41.3% compared to the non-issue-based statements that totaled 58.6%. It is then clear what was observed during the 2019 electioneering campaign were statements devoid of developmental plans but full of personal sentiments. Besides the cited statements above on name-calling, allegations and partisanship, there were others like "Stop donating like Father Christmas, attend to Nigerians, Atiku tells Buhari (Punch newspaper, 2018, Nov. 5, p. 53); "Buhari is too weak to lead Nigeria, says PDP" (Punch newspaper, Jan. 23, 2019, p. 3); and "I won't disappoint you like APC, Atiku" (Vanguard newspaper, Feb. 13, p. 10). Theis findings aligns with NOI Polls (2015) in which it was found out that about 57% of adult Nigerians believe that political campaigns do not address important issues in the country. Thee development media theory underlines that the press should highlight development issues in the society. Theis means that more of the reports in the dailies should be on statements that are issue-based in subsequent periods. Thee projection of candidates who make issue-based statements could influence voting.

Placement of Stories on Issue-based Political Statements

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Thee findings from the study show that the reports on the political statements appeared on the front (37.9%) and inside pages (62.1) only. Basically, the back page of newspapers are given to sports and special features such that it does not take regular news stories. But the prominence is predicated on fact that the reports made the cover pages and in most cases, the banner headlines. Stories like "Okorocha, Amosun attack Osh-iomhole afresh - his leadership has cost APC 5 million members, says Imo gov - we'll resist any bid to hand Ogun over to a rapacious cabal - Ogun gov" (Vanguard newspaper, 2018, Nov. 2, p. 1) and "Elections: Obasanjo bombs Buhari again - says he's planning to rig polls, behaving like Abacha" (Vanguard newspaper, 2019, Jan. 21, p. 1) are among the numerous that appeared on the cover page. Theis finding demonstrates the agenda setting theory that the emphasis media places on certain issues based on placement or coverage could influence the importance the audience attach to such (Scheufele & Tewksbury, 2007).

CONCLUSION_

Because Nigeria's electoral process is now more dynamic than in earlier years with the nature of competitions among political parties, politicians explore ways to woo voters during election campaigns. In the course of this, political statements are often made at different forums and platforms. Thee expectation is that campaigns should address issues that affect the country, but in some instances the comments are directed at personal affairs and matters of less public interest. Thee press exists to report issues for voters' enlightenment. Theis paper examined newspaper coverage of issue-based political statements and campaigns in Nigeria's electoral process. Thee paper found out that while there were coverage over some national issues like restructuring, security, corruption, economy, unemployment, and electricity, the greater volume of reports of political statements in newspapers were not issue-based. Theere is the need for the press to pay less attention to matters that would not serve to educate voters appropriately.

RECOMMENDATIONS_

Drawing from the findings put forward, the study therefore recommends that:

1. Given that during the electioneering period much attention was accorded to political statements, there is the need for the press to balance issues of national interest along with current developments in order not to silence other matters of public interest.

2. Literate Nigerians need to react to political statements through articles, letters, etc. for dailies because these were almost non-existing on the issue within the period.

3. Nigerians need to ask politicians questions based on issues of national or public importance as a means of reducing non-issue-based statements. In the same vein, the press use the editorials to speak against non-issue-based campaigns.

4. Thee press need to highlight more of issue-based political statements on the cover page rather than those that would create panic and disaffection.

CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE_

Academically, this paper is a seminal effort, that is, first attempt to analyse the political statements made by politicians in the most recent general elections held in Nigeria. In practice, it gives the public a picture of the kind of statements made by leaders during the 2019 electioneering campaign, which would aid future development initiatives.

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Список литературы

Adeleke, F. (2006). Political behaviour among the rural dwellers in selected areas of Osun State. M.Sc Project: Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Adibe, J. (2015). Fayose's advert: Offensive or hate speech? Adapted from a paper presented at a roundtable on hate speech organized by the Kukah Centre, Abuja, January 27.

Anaeto, S. G., Onabanjo, O. S. & Osifeso, J. B. (2008). Theeories and models of communication. Maryland: African Renaissance Books Inc.

Anorue, L. I., Obayi, P. M. & Onyebuchi, C. A. (2012). Thee mass media, gender balance and politics in Nigeria: An assement. AFRREVLALIGENS: An International Journal of Language, Literature and Gender Studies Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 1(3), 1435.

Asiru, H.T.; Ogutu, E.A. & Orwenjo, D.O. (2018). Event and actors representation in selected Nigerian daily newspapers. Ghana Journal of Linguistics, 7(1), 84-104. Doi: 10.4314/gjl.v7i1.4

Baran, S.J. & Davis, D.K. (2009). Mass communication theory: Foundations, ferment, and future (5th ed.). Boston MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Carkoglu, A., Baruh, L., & Yildirim, K. (2014). Press-party parallelism and polarization of news media during an election campaign: Thee case of the 2011 Turkish elections. Thee International Journal of Press/Politics, 19(3), 295-317. Doi: 10.1177/1940161214528994

Chiluwa, I. (2011). Media representation of Nigeria's joint military task force in the Niger Delta crisis. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 1(9), 197-208.

Devaney, H. (2013). Perceptions of media bias: Viewing the news through ideological cues. A Senior Honor Theesis, University of California, San Diego.

Dimitrova, D.V.; Shehata, A.; Stromback, J. & Nord, L.W. (2014). Thee effects of digital

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Ferencík & K. Bednárová-Gibová (Eds.) Discourse and Ideology: Studies in Critical Stylistics (56-69). Presov. Retrieved from:

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Kerlinger, F.N. (2000). Foundations of behavioural research (4th ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

Kukah, H. (2015). Hate speech, social media and the 2015 election. Retrieved from: pointblanknews.com/pbn/./hate-speech-social-media-2015-election/

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Okorie, M. (2016). Thee widening gap of gender inequality in Nigerian politics: Advocating a quota system approach. AFRREVIJAH: An International Journal of Arts and Humanities, 5(2), 251-260.

Scheufele, D.A. & Tewksbury, D. (2007). Framing, agenda setting, and priming: Thee evolution of three media effects models. Journal of Communication, (57), 9-20. Doi: 10.1111/j.0021-9916.2007.00326.x

Sete, T.A. (2018). Intra party democracy in Ethiopia: Towards a regulatory regime. Haramaya Law Review, (7), 22-47.

Sobowale, D. (2019, January 5). Election campaigns, issues and personalities. Thee Nation. Retrieved from: http://thenationonlineng.net/election-campaigns-issues-personalities/

Unah, L. (2019). Thee key issues shaping Nigeria's presidential election. TRTWorld. Retrieved from: https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/the-key-issues-shaping-nigeria-s-presidential-elections-23 995

Wahl-Jorgensen, K. & Hanitzsch, T. (2009). Thee handbook of journalism studies. New York, NY: Routledge.

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