A Critique of the Performance of the Nigerian Press in the Current Democratic Dispensation

The press in any society is a vital organ of the administrative machineries of that nation. Without the press in any nation, that nation would not experience any meaningful development. As the activities of the press are influenced by the type of government operative in a a society, it becomes very crucial to examine the roles and effectiveness of the press in the society based on the type of government that society is operating. Nigeria as a nation has experienced and practiced different forms of governments mostly military and presidential systems. How effective the Nigerian press had served the society under these forms of government becomes crucial for investigation if the society must experience development. This study examines the role of the Nigerian press under the democratic governance. The methodology used for collection of data was the documentary or historical survey where data were collected through books, journals, documents and internet for analysis. The study examines briefly the history of Nigerian press. The press under the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’adua and Good luck Jonathan and the factors affecting their performance are examined. The study also talks about the success and failure of the press in Nigerian democracy. The study concludes that the press in Nigeria has recorded enormous victories in a democratic environment compared to the military regimes which helps to bring about development. Despite these successes, the press in Nigeria democratic environment still faces serious obstacles from government which militate against effective performance of the press to ensure more development for the people. It calls for forcing of a strong union between the public and the press to help the press carry out its responsibilities to the society.