Media must hold public officials accountable, says ADC chieftain

ADC Chieftain, Ibrahim Wala

-SEB EDITORIAL-

The Press and Power: Why Accountability Must Be Non-Negotiable

In a democracy, the media is more than a conveyor of information, it is the conscience of the nation. This sentiment was recently echoed by a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who emphasized the urgent need for the press to hold public officials accountable.

His remarks, though not widely circulated under a single headline, align with a growing chorus of voices urging Nigerian journalists to reclaim their watchdog role in the face of political opacity and broken promises.

The call for accountability is not new. Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the media has been constitutionally empowered to ensure that the government remains answerable to the people. 

Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution explicitly mandates the press to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government. Yet, despite this legal backing, the media’s performance has often been criticized as tepid, particularly when it comes to tracking campaign promises and exposing governance failures.

The ADC chieftain’s statement is a timely reminder that the media must not merely report events but interrogate them. In an era where misinformation and political spin dominate public discourse, journalists must be equipped not just with facts but with the courage to challenge power. This includes scrutinizing budget allocations, investigating corruption, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities whose concerns are often drowned out by elite narratives.

Efforts to bolster this role have been made. Organizations like the International Press Centre (IPC), with support from the European Union, have conducted workshops aimed at strengthening journalistic capacity to report elections and democratic processes.

These initiatives underscore the importance of professional development in ensuring that media practitioners are not only informed but also empowered to act as agents of accountability.

Moreover, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) reinforces the media’s role in promoting transparency and public trust. Article 13 of the Charter calls on the press to facilitate political and social dialogue, thereby consolidating democracy and peace. This international framework complements Nigeria’s domestic laws and provides a broader context for media activism.

The ADC chieftain’s appeal is not just a political statement, it is a moral imperative. In a country where governance is often marred by inefficiency and impunity, the media must rise above partisanship and commercial interests to serve the public good. Accountability is not a favor; it is a duty. And the press, as the fourth estate, must ensure that those who wield power do so with integrity, transparency, and a constant awareness that they are being watched.

In the end, democracy thrives not on the promises of politicians but on the vigilance of its citizens, and the media is their voice.