A gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) Barrister Akeem Agbaje has declared that the media also contributes to Nigeria’s problems.
Agbaje made this declaration on Tuesday while delivering a paper titled “Governance, democracy, politicians and society: Bridging the gap between expectation and delivery” at the third day of the 2025 press week of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State council.
The lecture which was attended by Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, Hon. Samuel Eegunjobi and the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola among other stakeholders was held at NUJ Secretariat, Iyaganku Ibadan.
Agbaje while addressing the gathering, insisted that the media owners and the journalists (practitioners) also contribute to the more decadence in the country.
He said that the political office holders also compromise the media in their bid to achieve their self interest.
He maintained that the political elites compromise either the media owners or the practitioners in order to buy their ways.
He also identified weak institutions, lack of accountability, corruption and flawed electoral processes as some of the causes of the problems in the country.
Agbaje while speaking further, advised the media practitioners to continue to play their roles responsibly.
He advised journalists to pursue truth with fairness and integrity.
He said “The media occupies a sacred position in the society. The media also contributes to the problems. It is either they compromise the media owners or the practitioners (journalists). When I was reviewing the paper yesterday, someone said that we should step it down, but doe me, I have to say it. The media also contributes to the problems. .
“Democracy, in its truest sense, is about the people. It is about their collective will, welfare, and wellbeing. It rests on the pillars of accountability, transparency, justice, and inclusiveness. However, in Nigeria, our democratic practice often falls short of these ideals. The promises made before elections rarely match the realities that follow, creating a widening gap between expectation and delivery.
“Many Nigerians now question not only the effectiveness of governance but also the sincerity of those entrusted with it. The resulting trust deficit between the government and the governed has become one of the most pressing challenges of our time. It is not enough to lament this failure; we must identify its causes and propose workable solutions that can restore faith in our democracy. The Failure in Delivering Democratic Dividends
“The dividends of democracy refer to the tangible benefits that citizens should derive from democratic governance. These include security, quality education, accessible healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and equal opportunities. Where these are lacking, democracy becomes hollow and loses its meaning to the ordinary citizen.
“Our problem as a nation is not the absence of democracy but the absence of democratic values in governance. While elections are held periodically, the institutions and systems that should transform political power into public good remain weak or compromised.
“In Nigeria, individuals are often stronger than the institutions that should regulate them. When public institutions depend on personalities rather than principles, governance becomes self-serving and inconsistent. Laws are interpreted to protect interests rather than promote justice.
“Corruption continues to undermine development at every level. It is not only about funds stolen but about opportunities wasted. Money meant for hospitals, schools, and public services often disappears through inflated contracts or abandoned projects. Without accountability, mediocrity becomes acceptable and excellence becomes rare.
“Many leaders emerge through processes that reward loyalty over competence. When politics is treated as a business rather than a platform for service, those who seek office do so to recover their investments, not to serve the people.
“Too often, citizens retreat from participation after elections, leaving governance to politicians alone. Democracy requires constant public engagement. When the people are silent, poor leadership thrives unchallenged.
“The media occupies a sacred space in democracy as the fourth estate of the realm. It has the duty to inform, educate, and hold leaders accountable. When the media becomes partisan or compromised, truth suffers and democracy weakens.
“Institutions must be independent, transparent, and efficient. The judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, electoral bodies, and civil service must be empowered to act without fear or favour. Nations only progress when institutions are stronger than individuals.
“There must be a conscious effort to change the way politics is practiced. Political parties should entrench internal democracy so that candidates emerge based on merit, vision, and integrity. Leadership should be viewed as a call to serve rather than a means to enrich oneself.
“Leadership is a trust. Every public official must understand that they hold office on behalf of the people and are answerable to them. Public funds must be traceable, and projects must be measurable. The use of technology to promote
“Citizens must remain active participants in governance beyond elections. Community dialogues, civic education, and advocacy for social justice should become part of our democratic culture. When people take ownership of governance, leaders become more responsive. transparency and citizen oversight should be embraced
“The media must continue to play its role with responsibility and courage. Journalists should pursue truth with fairness and integrity. Beyond reporting events, the media should help shape national values and hold every arm of government to its constitutional duties.
“Governance reflects the moral character of a society. We must return to the values of honesty, hard work, and respect for the common good. Parents, schools, and religious institutions have a duty to nurture these virtues. A nation that loses its moral compass cannot sustain good governance.
“Democracy cannot thrive on words alone. It must be nurtured by actions that place the people at the center of governance. Politicians must honour their oaths of office, public institutions must be strengthened, and citizens must demand accountability.
“Nigeria’s democratic journey is still evolving, and while there have been setbacks, there is still hope. We can make democracy work if we rebuild trust, promote justice, and put service above self. To the members of the press gathered here, your pen remains one of the strongest instruments of change. Use it to enlighten, to challenge, and to build. A free, responsible, and patriotic press is the backbone of any enduring democracy.
“I commend the Oyo State NUJ for its commitment to the cause of truth and development. May your work continue to strengthen our democracy and inspire good governance. Thank you, and may God bless the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Chapter, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
