The press in the Niger Delta agitation.

Abstract

One of the critical issues engaging the attention of Nigeria is the Niger Delta agitation. Aside from the region being the natural holder of the resources that form the financial vertebrae of the nation, the agitation, resulting from overexploitation of the resources without corresponding returns, has turned the Niger Delta to newsmaker of all time. In discharging their duties as socially responsible institutions, development partners, cultural industry, the media face dilemmas in the quest to play their part, particularly given the multiple and differing expectations of stakeholders. Balancing the varying needs of being the societal watchdog, government's ideology promoter and successful business not only sparks conflict, but is challenging. While journalism requires making all issues common knowledge, government favours moderation and cooperation and business wants returns on investment. These mean that practitioners should, at times, sacrifice and compromise to attain a balance-a breach of social responsibility philosophy. Giving the glorious past that the Nigerian press has recorded, therefore, the institution should raise the issue of Niger Delta to the realm that can guarantee justice and fairness. Through robust people-centred journalism, this article believes the Nigerian press can commence mobilisation and agitation for the much needed good governance that provide people's current need without jeopardising the future of the next generation.