A gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Akeem Agbaje, has said that the Nigerian media also contributes to the challenges facing the nation.
Agbaje stated this 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 the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, held at the NUJ Secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The event was attended by prominent personalities including Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, Hon. Samuel Eegunjobi, and the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola, among other stakeholders.
Agbaje noted that while political office holders are often blamed for Nigeria’s problems, the media—both owners and practitioners—also share part of the blame.
“The media occupies a sacred position in society. But the truth is, the media also contributes to the problems. It is either they compromise the media owners or the practitioners,” he said. “When I was reviewing this paper, someone suggested I should tone it down, but I believe the truth must be told.”
The APC chieftain accused political elites of compromising sections of the media to promote selfish interests, thereby weakening the institution’s role as a watchdog of democracy.
He further identified weak institutions, lack of accountability, corruption, and flawed electoral processes as key factors undermining Nigeria’s democratic development.
According to him, Nigeria’s problem is not the absence of democracy but the absence of democratic values in governance. He emphasized that while elections are held regularly, public institutions remain too weak to deliver good governance.
“Our problem as a nation is not the absence of democracy but the absence of democratic values in governance. Institutions are weak, corruption thrives, and public service has become self-serving rather than people-oriented,” Agbaje said.
He urged journalists to uphold truth, fairness, and integrity in their practice, stressing that the media must rise above partisanship to strengthen democracy.
“The media must continue to play its role with responsibility and courage. Journalists should pursue truth with fairness and integrity. A free, responsible, and patriotic press is the backbone of any enduring democracy,” he added.
Agbaje also called for stronger institutions, internal democracy in political parties, and active citizen participation in governance beyond elections.
He concluded by commending the NUJ Oyo State Council for its commitment to truth and development, urging the media to remain a vital force in rebuilding public trust and promoting good governance in Nigeria.
