CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This research touches on the various aspects of radio programmes as instruments of national development. In other words, it explores into radio programmes as a mobilization agency during the political transition period.

It is thus, an important assumption of the work that a systematic study of national development by radio programmes should include an examination and the nature of operation of the mass media of communication in Radio Nigeria, Abuja.

The mass media generally referred to both the print(s) and electronic media as supported in section 22 of the 1989 constitution of Nigeria. The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media should at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives and highlights the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.

The role of radio programmes according to General Abacha in his maiden independence broadcast on the 1st October 1995 was to unform, educate and entertain the citizen. Onyishi (1996) while highlighting on the role of radio programmes in democracy notes that the press not only sustains the democracy principles but also end with transaction period.  The media should help an ushering in democracy they should play a crucial role in nurturing and sustaining the success or failure of our practice of democratic government. To large extent, their success depends on how well radio programmes carries out their function as the mid wife of democracy.

This research therefore is intended to investigate how far the radio programme had fulfilled this allowed obligation.  It is hoped that the result of the work will be useful to media practitioners in the proper performance of their duties.

1.2    STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEMS:

In democracies, the mass media are the watch dog of the people. The citizens are usually mobilized and unformed to create awareness on the political culture.

By political culture, I refer to a system of politic in which sovereignty is vested on the people rather than a small clique, or an oligarchy, a political arrangement that places emphasis on the accountability of polity where the rule of law, majority rule and constitutionalism is the basic guiding principle.

Perhaps, it could be argued that the political crisis that pervaded our recent past points to the fact that most of our people are ignorant of an apathetic towards the country’s observe that in Nigeria electioneering  and voting pattern cannot be validated, in the voting pattern of Nigerians and the possible estimation of the voter attitude towards political

1.3    OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The level of political participation in Nigeria and Abuja in particular seems to be very low.  Also the political crisis occurring in this country has equally been attributed to several factors.  The purpose of this study is to identify the reasons or reasons that have contributed to this low political participations in Nigeria politics.

In doing so, what usually comes to mind is to ask the question what is the reason for the low political participation in Nigeria politics and equally the causes of the constant political crisis? As usually, it may be traced to several factors like low level of awareness and tribalism, how can this awareness be obtained? This will lead us to this research topic.

Therefore, this study is intended to inquire into how political participation in Nigeria politics and equally trace the genesis of the political crisis that identifies the factors responsible and solution  sought.

1.4    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

It is expected that this study would be immense benefit to the government, the mass media and the people of this country.  This study will highlight the importance of radio programmes as a vehicle for  national development in a transition era.

Through the mass media, especially the radio and television Nigeria might have a chance of having a viable political culture and help to choose a leadership that will inculcate a viable and sustaining democracy.  This will also give us a society blessed with.

As right put by GORAN HEDEBRO- “communication media can create a climate of change by including a new valves, attitude and models or behaviour favourable to mobilization, teach new skill  act as a multipher of resources of knowledge, raise level of participation in decision-making, help people to find new norms and harmony in period of transition, change the power structure of the society by giving knowledge to this masses, create sense of nations, lead to increase political activity or participation, promote people’s need satisfying development as self perpetuating process.

1.5    RESEARCH QUESTIONS.

The basic question posted as a result of these problem includes the following:

a.       Have radio programmes been participating in economic development in Nigeria and Abuja in particular.

b.       Has ethnic problem been hindering the smoothness of economic development in this country?

c.       Can the masses in the country be mobilized and informed using radio programmes?

d.       What role has radio programmes played to ensure a viable democracy?

1.6    DEFINITION OF TERMS

Conceptual and operational definitions

1.      ROLE

a.       Conceptual: Persons or duties in an undertaking.

b.       Operational:         Function or part of the duty radio programmes do to  contribute national national development.

2.      MASS MEDIA

b.       Conceptual: Existing channel through which government and its citizens communication to each other or means through which greater number of people are reached spontaneously with information.

1.7    LIMITATION OF STUDY

Since the research is directed as radio programmes and national development, the research is content on the broadcasting media in Abuja.  (i.e. the Abuja Broadcasting Corporation RADIO NIGERIA, ABUJA)