An Appraisal Of Press Freedom In Nigeria Under Civilian Rule
[A CASE STUDY OF OLUSEGUN OBASANJO REGIME 1999 – 2004]

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTION

This will aim at assessing the performance of the press, the atmosphere in which they operate, given this dispensation, which is Olusegun Obasanjo regime period.  They are as follows:

1. Does civilian rule foster brighter prospect for the media?

2. Have the media (press) performed better in this dispensation than any other civilian rule?

3. Has the press been used as an instrument of government under civilian rule?

4. Have the media been controlled by the present Obasanjo administration?

1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

1. H1: Civilian rule fosters brighter prospect for the media.

H0: Civilian rule does not foster brighter prospect for the media.

2. H1: The media have performed well in this dispensation than in any other civilian rule.

   H0: The media have not performed well in this dispensation than in any other civilian rule.

3. H1: The press has been used as an instrument of government under civilian rule.

   H0: The press has not been used as an instrument of government under civilian rule.

4. H1: The media are presently being controlled by the Obasanjo administration.

   H0: The media are not presently being controlled by the Obasanjo administration.

1.7 CONCEPTUAL AND OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Conceptual: This is the assessment of an expert opinion on the value of an issue such as press freedom.

Operational: To determine the view and evaluation of experts on the value of freedom of press.

Press Freedom:

Conceptual: This is the fundamental right of every person to have free access to the fact in all matters that directly or indirectly concern him and, his equal right to express and publish his opinion and to hear and read the opinion of others.

Operational: To know if the press with these rights are free to gather news without obstruction, to publish the comment on it thereon.

Civilian Rule:

Conceptual: This refers to the exercise of power or authority over a given society or country which does not have its roots or foundation from armed forces.

Operational: To determine the effect of power under a society that is free from armed forces in its foundation.

Government:

Conceptual: This refers to the exercise of political authority over the actions, affairs etc. of a political unit or people as well as the performance of certain functions for this unit or body.

Operational: This is known as the body that have authority to rule a political unit of people including the press and how they go about it.

1.8 ASSUMPTION

It is assumed that the press still suffer what they suffered during the military administration in this present dispensation irrespective of the principles of democracy.  It is also assumed that the coertic nature of the society in those days still affect the press in such a way that the content of the media and media itself pursues an agenda favourable to its ethnic consideration and to those in authority.

1.9 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Based on the topic of this study, I limited the study on assessing the performance of Obasanjo on the media in the last five years.  Because of the nature of the study, relevant material and literature that would compliment the attempt are not available.  It has nonetheless propelled me into action to ensure that I meet with the requirements of this exercise.

Adequate sampling size is likely to pose a threat to this research.  This is because not all the respondents may have exposure to problems, which the press has encountered presently.  Again, the multicultured nature of our society is such that the press could be said to be concentrated on few hands, thus giving a clear assessment of the incumbent vis-à-vis his relationship with the media becomes a bit difficult.

Financial constrain made me streamline, the research endeavour to meek the available resources.  the time frame in view of the crowded academic activities equally limited my research effort.  These as highlighted above are the handicaps, which I envisaged limited the sphere of this study.