Media and the restructuring discourse: A study of selected Nigerian newspapers

Abstract

Background: The discourse on the restructuring of Nigeria is a burning issue in the Nigerian body polity. Its advocates see it as crucial because they believe it can bring about equity and inclusiveness in a society as diverse as Nigeria. The media, on their part, serve as the melting point by availing people the opportunity to express their divergent views on issues such as the restructuring question.

Objective: This study investigates how selected Nigerian newspapers reported restructuring stories in the build up to the Nigerian 2019 general elections, and immediately after the elections. The objectives were to ascertain the frequency given to restructuring stories; to determine if prominence was given to restructuring stories, and to identify the sources of the restructuring stories in the selected newspapers.

Methodology: The researchers made use of  content analysis as the research method while the newspapers that were examined included  Daily Trust and The Guardian newspapers for the period of December, 2018 to April, 2019. The instrument for data collection was the code sheet.

Results: The study revealed that restructuring stories were more before the elections because it was made a political topic, but the reports trickled down immediately after the elections. Also, it did not enjoy prominence in newspapers.

Conclusion: The different positions taken by people clearly show they still want Nigeria to exist as an entity rather than it being balkanised, but that it should be restructured so there will be equity, and all stakeholders will have a sense of belonging

Key Recommendation: It is recommended that newspapers should continue to make restructuring a continual topic of discussion until the necessary restructuring of Nigeria is done.