Abstract

This study examined the limitations and censorship of the Nigerian press under military regimes, especially between 1985 and 1998. It x-rayed the extent to which press laws, limitations and censorship impacted positively or negatively on the performance of the Nigerian press. The survey method and content analysis were used as the research methodology. In the survey, a representative sample of journalists working in Bayelsa State of Nigeria was chosen and a questionnaire administered on them. In the content analysis, various press laws, decrees and censorship regulations which were enacted during the military regimes were examined. Findings revealed that the Nigerian constitution restricts the activities of the press. The study also found that the various military regimes in Nigeria, especially the regimes of Generals Babangida and Abacha severely censored the press through various draconian decrees, restrictions, and outright censorship. The study recommends that the Nigerian constitution should be reviewed to eradicate ambiguities, multiple interpretations and provide adequate protection for freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

Key Words: Military regimes, Nigerian press, Censorship, Military decrees, Freedom of expression.

^JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 4, No. 1, April 2012, 41 – 49 

© Delmas Communications Ltd

About the authors

*Leader Stanley is in the Department of Mass Communication, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

**Dr. Eserinune McCarty Mojaye is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

Full Article

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