Project Abstract

Abstract
Newspapers have long played a crucial role in shaping political development in various countries, including Nigeria. This research project focuses on exploring the specific role of The Guardian newspaper in the political development of Nigeria. The study delves into the historical context of The Guardian newspaper, its political stance, and the impact it has had on the political landscape of Nigeria. Using a case study approach, this research project examines how The Guardian newspaper has influenced political discourse, public opinion, and government policies in Nigeria. Through content analysis of articles, editorials, and opinion pieces published by The Guardian, this study aims to uncover the newspaper's role in promoting democratic values, advocating for social justice, and holding government officials accountable. Furthermore, this research project investigates the relationship between The Guardian newspaper and political actors in Nigeria. By analyzing the interactions between the newspaper and government officials, political parties, and civil society groups, this study seeks to understand how The Guardian has shaped political decision-making processes and influenced policy outcomes. Moreover, the study explores the challenges and opportunities faced by The Guardian newspaper in fulfilling its role as a watchdog of democracy in Nigeria. By examining issues such as censorship, government pressure, and financial constraints, this research project aims to provide insights into the complexities of media freedom and independence in a developing democracy like Nigeria. Overall, this research project contributes to the existing literature on the role of newspapers in political development by providing a detailed analysis of The Guardian newspaper's impact on Nigerian politics. The findings of this study are expected to shed light on the importance of a free and independent press in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in a democratic society like Nigeria.

Project Overview

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
The important role media plays in fostering an environment of good governance and political awareness needs hardly be emphasized. As the watchdog and interpreter of public issues and events, the media has a special role in every society. In our information-based society the media has a disproportionately visible and influential role.
Democracy cannot exist in the absence of the press. This is because democracy is based on popular will and popular opinion depends on the public’s awareness and knowledge. It is the mass media that brings up, promotes and propagates public awareness. The main responsibility of the press is to provide comprehensive, analytical and factual news and opinion to the people on everyday issues and events of popular concern. To fulfill its duty and responsibility, the press must work according to the fundamental principles of professional ethics, as well as norms and values of journalism.
Democracy can neither be sustainable nor strong without a free press. On the other hand, press freedom will not be possible without democracy. Therefore, the mass media and journalists must be committed to democracy. For this, the press must be perpetually involved in the establishment and promotion of a democratic culture. The press must remain ever vigilant to protect and enforce people’s freedom of thought and expression and citizens’ right to all information relating to the various aspects of their life and future. The fact that access to information is a citizen’s right must be taken to heart, and information must be presented in a simple and palatable manner. Right to information is inherent in democratic functioning and a pre-condition for good governance and the realization of all other human rights, including education and health care. The main objectives should be the promotion of transparency and accountability in governance so as to minimize corruption and
inefficiency in public office and to ensure the public’s participation in governance and decision making.
Media must be credible and trustworthy. Trust is the most valuable asset for any media. Once lost, it cannot be earned back. It is for this reason that all media must uphold their principles to provide accurate and factual news and other programmes.
Press must understand the difference between politics in general and party politics. Media should not be a vehicle, or used as an advocate for any political party or ideology. Public and political issues should be clearly understood, analyzed and presented in an impartial manner. During elections / political campaigns, equal time slots or opportunity must be allocated to each of the legitimate political parties and candidates. In the course of elections, messages that encourage goodwill and harmony among all the ethnic groups, religions, genders, cultures, languages, regions and communities should be broadcast.
Media plays the role of watch-dog in reporting corruption, complacency and negligence. In a changing, competitive landscape, compliance to good governance has never been taken so seriously, as people demand more transparency from both the government and private sectors. Responsible practices from government, universal principles on human rights and the fight against corruption have assumed great importance.