Nigeria Mass Media and the Niger Delta Crisis

The Nigerian Mass media often play a key role in conflict situations. Basically, their role can take two different forms either positive or negative; This research is carried out with the sole aim of pointing out the impact, role and effort by the mass media in covering the crisis that occurred in the Niger Delta

Introduction

Background of the Study

The Nigerian Mass media often play a key role in conflict situations. Basically, their role can take two different forms either positive or negative. Whatever role the media assume in a given conflict depends on a complex set of factors including the relationship the media have with the actors in the conflict and the relative independence the media enjoys. The Nigeria Mass Media disseminate information about the activities of oil companies in the region and their attendant destructive effect on the environment triggering violence and conflict in the area. This research is carried out with the sole aim of pointing out the impact, role and effort by the mass media in covering the crisis that occurred in the Niger Delta. In this aspect, the Nigerian mass media play a significant role in every human society most especially in the South-South Region that constitute the Niger Delta by looking into the issues that gave rise to the conflict in that area.

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1.1        Statement of the Problem

The Nigerian mass media have been reporting on the issues and challenges that are facing the Niger Delta and its dwellers. The objective of this study is to examine the role the media have played in the Niger Delta crisis and its implications for the people in the area.

Against this background the research seeks answers to the following questions.

1. What are those factors that gave rise to the Niger Delta crisis?
2. What role did the media play in their coverage of the Niger Delta crisis?
3. What efforts is the government making to resolve the conflict in the region?

1.2        Objective of the Study

The main objective of the study is to investigate the issues and challenges that gave rise to the Niger Delta crisis. The study will look at the efforts of the Government in the development of the region. It will also examine the following!

• The mass media coverage of the Niger Delta problem and how it could be solved.
• How the mass can media ensure that all voices in the Niger Delta crisis are heard by the government.
• How the mass media can ensure dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflict in the region.

1.3        Research Questions

The research question connotes an intelligent guess, a tentative answer in explaining social phenomenon.

• How do the media coverage of the crisis influence the development of government policy relating to conflicts in the region?.
• How much attention do the Nigeria mass media give to the Niger Delta crisis?.
• How does presidential amnesty help in curbing militancy in Niger Delta region?

1.4        Significance of the Study

The significance of the study is hinged on the facts that the findings will aid better understanding of the causative factors that led to the Niger Delta crisis and how this could be tackled. It will also serve as reference material for further research into the problems of the Niger Delta Region in future.

1.5        Scope and Limitations of the Study

The Niger Delta as a whole would be too large for such detailed study within a limited time span. This study therefore was limited to the core Niger Delta area. In carrying out this research, materials were not easily found to elicit the information and data required. Financial constraint was another limiting factor in carrying out this study. But in spite of these shortcomings, our research findings are worth our efforts and will contribute to a better grasp of the challenges before the Niger Delta Region.

1.7     Definition of terms

MASS MEDIA:  This can be defined as a means of communication that reach large number of people in a short time such as television, newspaper, magazines, and Radio. Today, all over the world, the media are connecting tool in the country or between countries.

Bagdikan (2005) affirms that the contemporary society is filled with images from television and from what they hear and read in radio and newspapers. Today with communication technology, media networks have brought changes in communication and the mode of news production. The information revolution is reshaping our society. Furthermore, with communication expansion the society's culture is changing to interactions and integrations.

CRISIS: This is also known as conflict that has to do with an unstable condition either political, social or economic in a given environment involving an abrupt ending or sudden change. Crisis in Niger Delta occurs as a result of the people fighting perceived injustice and unfair treatment by the federal government and the oil companies.

ISSUES: This is seen as something proceeding from a source or it is a final result or conclusion. It would take a larger view of the Niger Delta crisis and how to solve it.

CHALLENGES: A situation that stretches one’s resources or threatens his survival. The challenges are those issues that the Niger Delta is facing that gave room to the conflict in the region.

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