Between Words and Power: Politics of Truth and Deceit

By Rianat Ademola

Journalists are likened to parrots even though they do not have a strong curved beak and clawed feet that characterize the  omnivore but the fact that nothing goes amiss with them is their similitude. While a parrot speaks out what it hears and repeats something said by someone else without thought or understanding, journalists are the character of Atticus Finch in the to kill a mockingbird, an iconic symbol of moral integrity and justice.

Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution states that “the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”
This section connotes the power the constitution enshrines on the mass media including the press. The freedom outlined in the constitution is likened to that of a bird in the sky, flapping wings in its space, freedom without interruption when discharging their duties. The constitution befriends everyone equally. No one gets preferential treatment over the other.

It becomes interesting when the government and the press who ought to be allies become the actor and boss on our TV screen. The actor is usually the favorite character while the boss is the least favorite character. Sadly, in Nigerian politics, the press is mostly regarded as the boss.

Freedom of a country is synonymous to sovereignty. Freedom of an individual is a precious birthright that every citizen of a democratic country safeguards. Freedom of the press is gradually becoming a gift handed with one hand and hijacked with the other hand.
Without stuttering or mincing words, journalism is an endangered profession. Behind the adjective ‘endangered’ is the loss of life, dreadly adventure, and deprived freedom in the quest of social justice.

You might have missed the death of Dele Giwa. But there is an aroba, in Yoruba saying, Ọmọde tí kò ba itan, a ba aroba. The aroba is bàbá itan (father of story). Dele Giwa was a journalist. His unwavering dedication to upholding justice and fighting for what is right rewarded him a brutal death. The gory image of Dele Giwa of the icon never leaves the history of journalism in Nigeria. It has made many journalists drop their pens, and many had reconsidered their ambition. Five decades after his death and there’s still no justice. Look beyond the repetition and dwell on the meaning. It is the reality of a journalist who sought social justice and was deprived of justice when he needed it most.

Recently, Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter for FIJ (Foundation for investigative journalism)  was arrested by the police and spent a week in the cell without charges. All these events threatened, flogged, crucified and banished the spirit of journalism. It has kept people away from writing for change. While the citizens might feel disconnected or unconcerned about these events, ‘Oloture,’ the Nigerian movie which starred Sharon Ooja depicts a bit of the dangerous adventures journalists underwent in uncovering a crime.
One knows that searching for the truth in Nigeria is like building a castle in the air, a mirage. Yet, journalists fight to change this narrative. They seek the truth, putting their lives at risk, to uncover the deceit that covers the truth. Being the fourth estate of the government, press and media should be acknowledged and respected and held in high esteem, not trampled upon by the government and people it safeguards.

Journalists are not enemies.
Narratives are hard to change and it becomes a stereotype when ruffled with lies. The narrative that the press is an enemy needs to be changed. The narrative is found everywhere, even in a school environment, students politicians see the press as an enemy. It leaves a blemish on the dignified garment of truth, hard to wash. Regardless, the spirit of journalism should not waver and keep blooming. It has become the phoenix, an immortal bird who keeps reviving after death. Despite all obstacles, the pen is mightier than swords.