Journalists’ Level of Accountability in Tracking Developmental Projects in Edo State
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Abstract
This research examines the level of accountability among journalists in Edo State, Nigeria, in monitoring developmental projects, emphasizing media's role in fostering transparency, accountability, and public engagement. It investigates the capacity of journalists to uphold these functions despite challenges such as limited access to information, external influences, and pressures from government and political actors. Through a mixed-method approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, the research explored the effectiveness of media accountability in promoting societal development and the strategies employed by journalists to engage the public in the developmental process. Findings indicate that media accountability is crucial for project transparency, yet journalists in Edo State often face constraints, including restricted information access and political intimidation. The study emphasizes the need to domesticate the Freedom of Information Act in Edo State to enable journalists to track developmental projects effectively. Recommendations include implementing stronger regulations to protect journalistic integrity and encouraging collaboration among journalists, civil society organizations, and government entities to enhance transparency and accountability.
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Ovwigho, O. H., & Daniel Ofomegbe Ekhareafo. (2024). Journalists’ Level of Accountability in Tracking Developmental Projects in Edo State. Economit Journal: Scientific Journal of Accountancy, Management and Finance, 4(4), 255-268. https://doi.org/10.33258/economit.v4i4.1214
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References
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Usman, B., Msughter, E. A., & Olaitan Ridwanullah, A. (2022). Social media literacy: fake news consumption and perception of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 9(1), 2138011.
Vitalis, P. O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Okuneye, A. P. (2023). Understanding advertising in the era of social media. Information System and Smart City, 3(1), 502-502.
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Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Garba, S. (2023). Media and National Development in Democratic Societies. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 3(3), 105-115.
Akinselure, W. (2023, May 14). ’16 states yet to domesticate FOI Act’. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from Tribune Online website: https://tribuneonlineng.com/16-states-yet-to-domesticate-foi-act/
Anand, V. E. (2014). Development journalism: A catalyst for positive change. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 157(157), 210–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.11.024
Antai, S. J., & Umoren, P. E. (2023). Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) and the challenges of investigative journalism in Nigeria. AKSU Journal of Management Sciences, 8(1&2), 117–128. https://doi.org/10.61090/aksujomas.2023.009
Aondover, E. M. & Pate, H. (2021). National interest, freedom of expression and the Nigerian press in contemporary democratic context. Brazilian Journal of African Studies, 6(11), 233-249.
Aondover, E. M. (2019). Good governance and accountability: an assessment of the media’s role in achieving transparency in the 2019 general elections in Nigeria. Brazilian Journal of African Studies, 4(7), 209-225.
Aondover, E. M., Hile,M. M. & Yar’Adua, S. M. (2023). Ethical Issues and Insecurity in Africa: The Media Dimension. Konfrontasi Journal: Culture, Economy and Social Changes, 10 (2), 58-68 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33258/konfrontasi2.v10i2.272.
Aondover, E. M., Maradun, L. U., & Yar’Adua, S. M. (2022). Mediatization of the net and internetization of the print media in Northern Nigeria. Unisia, 40(2), 335-356.
Aondover, E. M., Oyeleye, S. A., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). New World Information and Communication Order and its changing role in Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Kano. Unisia, 41(1), 17-38. https://doi.org/10.20885/unisia.vol41.iss1.art2
Asemah, E. S., Gujbawu, M., Ekhareafo, D. O., & Okpanachi, R. A. (2022). Research methods and procedures in mass communication (3rd ed.). Jos: Matkol Press.
Audu, U. (2023, December 30). UNDERCOVER: How Daily Nigerian reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks, participated in NYSC scheme. Daily Nigerian Newspaper. Retrieved from https://dailynigerian.com/undercover-how-daily-nigerian/
Bardoel, J., & D’haenens, L. (2004). Media responsibility and accountability: New conceptualizations and practices. Communications, 29(1), 5–25.
Fake certificates: NANS president demands arrest of undercover reporter. (2024, January 4). Vanguard Newspaper. Retrieved from Fake certificates: NANS President demands arrest of undercover reporter2
Fake degree: I’m worried over my safety, says undercover journalist. (2024, January 4). Vanguard Newspaper. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/01/fake-degree-im-worried-over-my-safety-says-undercover-journalist/
Fengler, S. (2019). Accountability in Journalism. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228613.013.772
Hile, M. M., Msughter, A. E., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). Secularism and Ethical Issues in Media Practice as a Bane for National Development. SIASAT, 8(3), 166-177.
Idris, M. K., & Msughter, A. E. (2022). Sources of Information on National Issues among Border Communities in Yobe State, Nigeria. ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement, 6(1), 22-47.
Jamil, S. (2019). Increasing accountability using data journalism: Challenges for the Pakistani journalists. Journalism Practice, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2019.1697956
Maikaba, B., & Msughter, A. E. (2019). Digital Media and Cultural Globalisation: The Fate of African Value System. Humanities and Social Sciences, 12(1), 214-220.
Mojaye, E. M. & Aondover, E. M. (2022). Theoretical perspectives in world information systems: A propositional appraisal of new media-communication imperatives. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 14(1), 100-106.
Msughter, A. E., & Aondover, P. O. (2023). Nollywood Offering and Nigeria People and Culture: Reflections and Projection. Unisia, 41(1).
Msughter, A. E., Maradun, L. U., & Liman, A. M. (2021). Media Narratives in Reflections on Good Governance and Accountability in Nigeria. GSJ, 9(11)
Msughter, A. E., Perpetua, A. O., & Itiafa, A. L. (2023). Artificial Intelligence and the Media: Revisiting Digital Dichotomy Theory. In Information Systems Management. IntechOpen.
Newton, L. H., Hodges, L., & Keith, S. (2004). Accountability in the Professions: Accountability in Journalism. Journal of Mass Media Ethics, 19(3-4), 166–190. https://doi.org/10.1080/08900523.2004.9679687
Obasi, M. C., & Msughter, A. E. (2023). Assessment of media coverage of environmental hazards in mining communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Environmental Challenges, 13, 100758.
Okereke, I. (2020, April 5). How state officials violate Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act. Retrieved from Premiumtimesng.com website: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/386053-how-state-officials-violate-nigerias-freedom-of-information-act.html?tztc=1
Onyejelem, T. E., & Aondover, E. M. (2024a). Digital Generative Multimedia Tool Theory (DGMTT): A Theoretical Postulation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Adv Mach Lear Art Inte, 5(2), 01-09.
Onyejelem, T. E., & Aondover, E. M. (2024b). Digital Generative Multimedia Tool Theory (DGMTT): A Theoretical Postulation. Journalism, 14(3), 189-204.
Owens-Ibie, N., & Aondover, E. M. (2024). Hate postings on social media and peace imperatives in Nigeria. Legal challenges and political strategies in the post-truth era, Labcom Comunicacao & Artes,121.
SaharaTV. (2020, August 25). Ex Nigerian minister, Fani Kayode, verbally assaults journalist over question at press conference. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from www.youtube.com website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRDpsqksojM
Salveron, R. (2024, January 8). Why is journalism important? (28 reasons). Retrieved from https://enlightio.com/why-is-journalism-important
Singh, H., & Bharti, J. (2021). Development communication: Theoretical note. Strad Research, 8(11). https://doi.org/10.37896/sr8.11/014
Sobowale, I. (2008). Scientific journalism (2nd ed.). Lagos, Nigeria: Idosa Konsult.
Uchenna, A. N., Obi, A., & Egere, N. (2021). Development journalism: A prerequisite for rural transformation in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Journal of Media, Communication and Languages, 8(1).
Usman, B., Msughter, E. A., & Olaitan Ridwanullah, A. (2022). Social media literacy: fake news consumption and perception of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 9(1), 2138011.
Vitalis, P. O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Okuneye, A. P. (2023). Understanding advertising in the era of social media. Information System and Smart City, 3(1), 502-502.
Walters, K. (2011). Comparative and critical analysis: The roles of civic and comparative and critical analysis: The roles of civic and traditional journalism. UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones, 1377. https://doi.org/10.34917/3275266
Yar’Adua, S. M., Aondover, E. M., & Aliyu, M. A. (2023). Modernization, Marxist, Dependency and Alternative Theories of Development Communication: A Critical Review. International Social Science and Humanities Studies, 3(2), 1-20.
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Garba, S. (2023). Media and National Development in Democratic Societies. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 3(3), 105–115. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v3i3.948
Yar’Adua, S. M., Msughter, A. E., & Garba, S. (2023). Media and National Development in Democratic Societies. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 3(3), 105-115.