Thesis Abstract

This study ―Communication and Good Governance in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State‖ was carried out to examine the context of communication in governance of Ishielu Local Government area of Ebonyi state. The objectives are to validate the impact of communication on governance through regular participatorymeetings between leaders and followers in Ishielu L.G.A; to stimulate inclusive governance as a means to empower the citizens and enhance their confidencein the leadership of Ishielu L.G.A; and, to examine how judicious and equitable use of revenue can lead to mutual understanding, cooperation and development in Ishielu L.G.A. Over the years,much emphasis has been on communication use for good governance in the (3rd) Third World Countries and yet so many studies still show that communication has not achieved its potency in the Third World Countries. To balance the gap found in studies consulted, this study therefore;accessedthe ideologies of the three categories of people in Ishielu on communication use for good governance in Ishielu. Instruments for data generation include questionnaire, focus group discussion and key informant interview.Data analysis showed that there is no effective structure for communication in Ishielu LGA. The study also foundout thatcitizens are not sufficiently reapingthe dividends of democracy. Another finding is that lack of development is threatening the unity of Ishielu. To address such threats, the study thussuggests regular sensitization of both leaders and followers on communication use for good governance in Ishielu. It also suggests annual audit on income and expenditure as a channel to minimize misappropriation of fund as well as the establishment of a functional communication structure that would allow both leaders and the led to talk and effectively interact. Finally, the study has it that effective communicationcan stimulate unity; build trust and rapid development and as well, create openness and transparency among the people of Ishielu Local Government Area.

Thesis Overview

1.1 Background to the study

Communication is the most general form of interpersonal interaction required for decision-making and interpersonal influence in organizations.To this end, the second half of 20th century brought a tradition of communication research and practice geared toward Third World development needs, an area that has come to be known as development communication (Melkote and Steeves, 2001:1).The objective of development communication professionals is to work with the individuals and communities at the grassroots so that they may eventually enter and participate meaningfully in the political and economic processes in their communities/societies. This calls for grassroots organizing and communicative social action on the part of the poor, women, minorities, and others who have been consistently and increasingly marginalized in the process of social change; all of which result to poverty (Pg.117).

The effect of poverty is obvious as many lives are battered, happiness stifled, creativity destroyed and freedom limited. The consequence of this povertyalso includesshortage of income,lack of schools, absence of health facilities, and unavailability of medicines, the subjugation of women, hazardous environmental features, and lack of jobs.

Unfortunately, many governmentsin developing countries have attributed povertyto lack of wealth rather than misappropriationof wealth by few powerful individuals in the communities. Thus, the government‘s bent on seeking for international donors not minding thatin a country like Nigeria with huge talents and mineralresources there is enough to go round if good governance thrives.