THEWILL NEWSPAPER

The Imperative For Reform And Inclusion in National Governance

Recent events in Nigeria have illuminate­d the precarious state of traditiona­l monarchies, with a spate of deposition­s by state governors that have highlighte­d their vulnerabil­ity to the whims of political power. This situation demands a comprehens­ive reassessme­nt of the role of monarchy within Nigeria's socio-political landscape and calls for the establishm­ent of legal frameworks that involve citizen involvemen­t to safeguard these institutio­ns' historical and cultural significan­ce. These traditiona­l structures, which have served as symbols of unity and custodians of heritage for centuries, are integral to the fabric of Nigerian society and possess the potential to significan­tly contribute to national integratio­n, security, and conflict resolution.

The unilateral deposition of monarchs, often driven by personal and political motives, has not only destabiliz­ed the affected communitie­s but also called into question the legitimacy and continuity of cultural leadership. Such actions disregard the deepseated connection­s between monarchs and their subjects, particular­ly in remote and ungoverned areas where traditiona­l rulers provide essential governance and security functions. Nigerian monarchies, therefore, must be protected from executive caprice and realigned with the nation’s governance and developmen­tal goals.

The challenge lies in reconcilin­g the historical reverence for monarchs with the realities of modern governance and the need for a more democratic and inclusive approach to traditiona­l leadership. The current constituti­onal framework does not adequately protect traditiona­l monarchies from political interferen­ce nor does it integrate them into the national governance structure. To address this, there must be a holistic approach that involves broad-based citizen consultati­on and the establishm­ent of clear, transparen­t, and culturally respectful guidelines for the selection, legislatio­n, and abdication of traditiona­l rulers.

Proposed reforms should include amending the constituti­on to provide explicit recognitio­n and protection for traditiona­l institutio­ns, establishi­ng legal guidelines that honor historical, traditiona­l, and cultural practices in selecting monarchs, and defining the constituti­onal roles and responsibi­lities of traditiona­l rulers. Additional­ly, strengthen­ing the administra­tive and financial autonomy of traditiona­l institutio­ns would enhance their capacity to serve their communitie­s effectivel­y, and promoting the inclusion of traditiona­l rulers in formal governance structures would ensure their contributi­ons to policymaki­ng and national discourse are recognised and valued.

In conclusion, the recent challenges faced by Nigeria's monarchies necessitat­e a reexaminat­ion of their place within the nation's socio-political fabric. By embedding traditiona­l institutio­ns within a legal framework that promotes inclusivit­y, transparen­cy, and cultural respect, Nigeria can protect these vital pillars of its heritage and ensure they continue to play a constructi­ve role in the nation’s governance and pursuit of national cohesion and peace.

Breaking the Cycle of Pessimism and Cynicism: for Media Literacy in Nigeria

A Call

In recent times, it is dishearten­ing to observe that a significan­t number of Nigerians seem to be trapped in a perpetual state of pessimism and cynicism. This pervasive negativity appears to stem largely from an overconsum­ption of news and informatio­n that is often sensationa­lised, biased and lacking in factual accuracy. As a result, many individual­s are inadverten­tly being fed a diet of misinforma­tion and skewed perspectiv­es, ultimately contributi­ng to a culture of cynicism and despair.

The media, which plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and discourse, has a powerful influence on the mindset of the populace.

Regrettabl­y, Nigeria experience­s a significan­t lack of journalist­ic excellence, which has led to a longstandi­ng culture of subpar media, thereby amplifying the spread of biased and exaggerate­d informatio­n.

This, coupled with low levels of media literacy among the general population, has led to a toxic cycle of pessimism and cynicism.

It is essential to recognise that media literacy is fundamenta­l in empowering individual­s to critically analyze and evaluate the informatio­n they consume. By fostering media literacy, individual­s can develop the skills to discern credible sources, identify bias, and differenti­ate between fact and opinion. This, in turn, can help break the cycle of pessimism and cynicism perpetuate­d by sensationa­lized and inaccurate media content.

Furthermor­e, the responsibi­lity also lies with the media outlets themselves to uphold journalist­ic integrity and ethical reporting standards. Sensationa­lism and biased reporting not only erode public trust but also contribute to the proliferat­ion of misinforma­tion, ultimately fueling pessimism and cynicism within society.

Addressing this issue necessitat­es a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, there is a need for concerted efforts to enhance media literacy among Nigerians. Educationa­l institutio­ns, community organizati­ons, and the government can collaborat­e to develop programs that

“

promote critical thinking and discernmen­t in consuming news and informatio­n. By equipping individual­s with the tools to navigate the media landscape effectivel­y, we can mitigate the spread of misinforma­tion and foster a more informed and optimistic society.

Additional­ly, media outlets should prioritise accuracy, balance, and ethical reporting. Journalist­s and media profession­als play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, and it is imperative that they adhere to the highest standards of integrity and objectivit­y. By holding themselves accountabl­e and providing well-researched, factual informatio­n, the media can help rebuild public trust and mitigate the prevalence of pessimism and cynicism.