The nexus between politics and journalism in Nigeria

The Press is regarded as the unofficial fourth arm of government. The press has always been the reflection of society. They have been at the forefront of enlightening the citizens. In Nigeria, the press fought for the country’s independence from Great Britain, they have also served as a check and balance tool for the government.

In the last sixty years of Nigeria’s existence as a nation, there has been a gradual transition of journalists to politics. It started with their appointment as Chief Press Secretary, Commissioner for Information, Minister of Information, etc. The days of sitting at a desk, barring out words via keyboards seem to have reduced. Journalists are now all out to make an impact on society.

For instance, Chief Lateef Jakande already made his mark in journalism before he joined politics. Long before he became the governor of Lagos State, Lateef Jakande was already an editor-in-chief of the Nigerian Tribune. He kick started his journalism career in 1949 with the Daily Service Newspaper. When he became governor in 1979, he introduced housing and educational programmes targeting the poor, building new neighbourhood primary and secondary schools, and providing free primary and secondary education. This laudable initiative remains a talking point in Lagos State long after he has exited office.

The trio of Ajuri Obari Ngelale, Femi Adesina, and Reuben Abati have deployed their service into shaping the policy of the last three Nigerian presidents. They have been the mouthpiece of the government, the bridge between the people and the government. These three former journalists already made their mark in their chosen field. For example, Femi Adesina was already an editor-in-chief of The Sun Newspaper before he joined the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Ajuri Obari Ngelale spent about eight years between African Independent Television (AIT) and Channels TV before he joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s present government. Five years after working as Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati returned to the newsroom as an anchor on Arise Television.

In faraway Ondo State, Stephen Adewale has been at the forefront of repositioning the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He has been the chairman of the party for the past eighteen months. Stephen also works as one of the general managers of Kaftan Television. Citizens of Ondo State have now sought some relief due to the checks and balances SDP, headed by this Obafemi Awolowo University graduate, has been able to engineer in the state. Managing a political party like SDP has never been an easy task, yet Stephen Adewale’s tenacity, discipline, and skill have played a huge role in the current successes so far.

It is alluring to see journalists making their mark beyond the newsroom. It’s noticeable that some of them have been able to translate whatever they say on paper to make some administrative landmark. While it is not yet a Uhuru moment, there is still the need for more transition. Also, it would be imperative for the current journalist turned politician to serve as an adviser or mentor to any of their colleagues who might be thinking of joining their fold. This would adequately help in a future succession plan.