MASS MEDIA AND THE COVERAGE OF HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This is a study that is pre-occupied with an in-depth analysis of the influence of Mass Media pm the coverage of Human Rights activities and also on political issues in Nigeria. Some national deilies like vanguard, New Nigerian, Punch and Daily Times Newspapers were critically evaluated and content analyzed, on a given period of time. In achieving this, we embarked on a look into the extent of coverage given to human rights issues as regards their views on national political issues. The press objectivity coverage quest and the ownership restrictions were also studied to determine whether it has any relevance with ethnicity or not. There is also a drawn comparison between newspapers which area supposed to have the characters of ethnicity and those that area biased based on the ownership pattern. On the whole, five hypothesis were examined. The first hypothesis says that “is privately controlled newspapers report more objectively on human rights issues in Nigeria then the government owned newspapers” which was accepted by the result of this study. The second hypothesis which states that tribalism and religious sentiments, play prominent role in Nigeria media more than professional Journalism in governing political right issues. The results obtained in this study also accepted this hypothesis. The third and fifth hypothesis also lent statistical support. However, the forth hypothesis which states that media, operating with a particular geographical location will emphasize their interest above any other consideration in their coverage of political and human rights issues was to some extend rejected. A part of our recommendation is that since ethnicity has been revealed to be interfering with the objective of events, identified sectionalists should be denied licenses to own news paper or other mass media gadgets to allow free hards so as to ensure objectivity of coverage and true practices of ethical Journalistic measurer. It’s therefore hoped that this research work will help to improve the mass media coverage of human right issues as this will educate and enlighten the society on their rights, which they at not fully aware of.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The political landscape of Nigeria, since its independence in 1960, has been characterized by a series of governance shifts, oscillating between civilian rule and prolonged periods of military dictatorship. These military regimes often ruled through decrees, suspending constitutional provisions that safeguard citizens' fundamental human rights, such as freedom of expression, assembly, and protection from arbitrary detention. This historical context has frequently undermined the essence of governance, which should prioritize the welfare and rights of the people. Authoritarian rule has exacerbated human rights violations, with documented cases of extrajudicial killings, torture, and suppression of dissent, often reported in stark detail by the mass media.

In this milieu, the mass media emerges as a critical actor. As societal watchdogs, media outlets encompassing print, broadcast, and digital platforms inform both the government and the governed about their respective privileges and limitations, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). This role is particularly vital under democratic dispensations, where media freedom is ostensibly protected under Section 39 of the Constitution, allowing for the dissemination of information without undue interference. The mass media serves as a cornerstone for societal progress, both economically and politically, by highlighting human rights issues and fostering accountability. Globally, media has been instrumental in managing human rights abuses, as seen in international campaigns like those against apartheid in South Africa or more recently in Nigeria's #EndSARS protests in 2020, where social media amplified voices against police brutality.

In Nigeria, the mass media has historically exposed human rights abuses, such as those perpetrated during the Abacha regime in the 1990s, including the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, which drew global condemnation. More contemporarily, coverage of Boko Haram's atrocities in the North-East, including abductions and civilian displacements, has underscored media's agenda-setting function in drawing attention to violations like forced disappearances and gender-based violence. However, challenges persist: ethnic and religious sentiments, as well as ownership influences, sometimes hinder objective reporting. For instance, media outlets owned by politically affiliated individuals may downplay abuses linked to their patrons, leading to biased coverage. Despite these hurdles, the media has preempted human rights advocacy, occasionally leading to government clampdowns on journalists and activists, as evidenced by the arrest of journalists during the 2023 elections for reporting electoral irregularities.

A society where citizens' fundamental rights such as the right to life (Section 33), dignity (Section 34), and fair hearing (Section 36) are not protected cannot claim true freedom. The mass media, through investigative journalism and public discourse, must distinguish between what should be publicized for accountability and what might endanger national security, without compromising ethical standards. Content analyses of Nigerian newspapers, such as Vanguard and The Punch, reveal varying levels of prominence given to human rights issues, often influenced by regional biases. This study thus explores how the mass media can enhance its role in managing human rights issues, contributing to a more just and equitable Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The management of human rights abuses by the Nigerian mass media remains fraught with inconsistencies, despite the media's potential as a tool for advocacy and accountability. Key variables, including ownership structures, ethnic and religious considerations, and governmental pressures, often impede objective coverage. For example, during periods of political tension, such as the #EndSARS movement or conflicts in the North-East, media reports have been accused of sensationalism or underreporting due to self-censorship to avoid reprisals. Political human rights abuses, like voter suppression and unlawful detentions, are sometimes short-circuited by these factors, leading to incomplete narratives that fail to mobilize public action or hold perpetrators accountable.

Moreover, the proliferation of digital media has introduced new challenges, including misinformation and fake news, which dilute the credibility of human rights reporting. Studies indicate that while print media like Daily Trust and The Guardian provide in-depth coverage, broadcast and online platforms often prioritize sensational stories over substantive analysis, exacerbating public apathy or division along ethnic lines. This research investigates these impediments, aiming to propose pathways for more effective media management of human rights issues in Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary aim of this study is to examine the role of mass media in the coverage of human rights issues in Nigeria. Specific objectives include:

1. To assess the extent to which the mass media selects and covers human rights issues in Nigeria.
2. To evaluate the order and patterns in the management of human rights abuses by the mass media.
3. To determine whether religious and ethnic considerations influence the mass media's handling of human rights abuses.

1.4 Research Questions

This study is guided by the following research questions:

1. To what extent do journalists in Nigeria select and cover human rights issues?
2. To what extent do journalists avoid bias or distortion in disseminating human rights information?
3. To what extent does government influence affect the mass media's role in reporting human rights issues?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study holds substantial value for various stakeholders in Nigeria. For the government, it underscores the mass media's role as a vehicle for political mobilization and accountability, particularly in transitional democracies. By highlighting human rights abuses, the media can foster a viable political culture, aiding in the selection of leaders committed to sustaining democracy and protecting citizens' rights.

For the mass media, the findings will emphasize the importance of ethical journalism in creating societal change. As noted by Goran Hedebro, communication media can instill new values and climates for progress, potentially transforming public perceptions of human rights. This could encourage media outlets to prioritize in-depth, unbiased coverage, reducing instances of interference and enhancing their watchdog function.

For the general populace, the study will promote greater awareness of human rights, empowering citizens to demand accountability. In a society blessed with diverse media platforms, this research could contribute to a more informed citizenry, reducing indolence and encouraging active participation in human rights discourse.

Academically, it adds to the body of knowledge on media studies and human rights, providing empirical insights for future research, policymakers, and international organizations like Amnesty International, which often collaborate with local media on advocacy. Overall, the study advocates for a media landscape that effectively manages human rights issues, fostering a freer and more equitable Nigeria.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study focuses on the coverage of human rights issues by selected Nigerian mass media outlets, including print (e.g., Vanguard, The Punch) and broadcast media, from 2015 to 2025. It delimitates to political, ethnic, and religious human rights abuses, excluding economic or environmental rights for depth. Geographically, it emphasizes national coverage with case studies from Lagos, Abuja, and the North-East. Limitations include potential access restrictions to media archives and respondent biases in surveys, mitigated through content analysis and ethical data collection.

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

• Mass Media: Refers to communication channels like newspapers, radio, television, and online platforms that disseminate information to a large audience.
• Human Rights Issues: Encompasses violations of fundamental rights as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Nigeria's Constitution, including freedoms of speech, assembly, and protection from discrimination.
• Coverage: The extent, frequency, and manner in which media reports on human rights matters, including framing and prominence.
• Management of Human Rights Abuses: The media's role in exposing, analyzing, and advocating against violations to promote accountability and resolution.