Media and Democratization in Nigeria: State, Capital and Civil Society by Arthur-Martins Aginam B.A. University of Nigeria, 1989 M.A. University of Leeds, 1999 DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in the School of Communication Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology © Arthur-Martins Aginam 2010 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Fall 2010 All rights reserved. However, in accordance with the Copyright Act of Canada, this work may be reproduced, without authorization, under the conditions for Fair Dealing. Therefore, limited reproduction of this work for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, review and news reporting is likely to be in accordance with the law, particularly if cited appropriately. 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The original Partial Copyright Licence attesting to these terms, and signed by this author, may be found in the original bound copy of this work, retained in the Simon Fraser University Archive. Simon Fraser University Library Burnaby, BC, Canada Last revision: Spring 09 Abstract The dissertation critically examines the still evolving process of neoliberal democratization and its impact on the philosophy and structure of the Nigerian media. The return of civil rule in 1999 following decades of military despotism naturally generated a great deal of expectation regarding the prospects of a more democratic media system that would foster popular participation in development and governance. Well over a decade into the democratic experience, not much has changed as the country’s media, particularly the broadcasting sector continue to stagnate under military era policies and legislations that automatically became Acts of parliament. The lack of substantive democratization by way of policies and regulations required of a democratic society is further compounded by the selective application of neoliberal policies relative to the political and economic interests of the ruling elite as evidenced by the contrasting policies in broadcasting and telecommunications in which the former remain largely under the stranglehold of the state and the latter almost fully deregulated. Further, the sustained advocacy of coalitions of civil society groups on a host of issues geared towards a more democratic, participatory and accessible media have thus far failed due to the shenanigans of members of parliament and top government officials who want to maintain the status quo. The apparent democratic deficit of the Nigerian media speaks directly to the limits of her current neoliberal democratization. The study draws from both postcolonial and globalization studies as well as critical political economy to explain the complexity of the Nigerian nation and context of its democratization. And given the widespread government abuse of the media in Nigeria, it identifies with the liberal critique of an overreaching state, but not necessarily its unfettered market prescription. Instead, it endorses a social democratic and plural media system not controlled by a leviathan state or behemoth capital; an inclusive system that goes beyond political and economic elites and the urban middle class to also serve the interests of minority groups and cultures, marginal voices and the often overlooked rural peasant populations. Keywords: Democratization; neo-liberalism; liberalization; civil society; ethnicity; non- governmental organizations iii Dedication To mom and dad: Osodieme and Ezeonyekachi—“Ukpa Ekene” iv Acknowledgements This research project would not have been possible without the assistance of numerous people who helped at various stages of my journey through graduate school. First is my supervisory committee made up of Professors Yuezhi Zhao, Alison Beale, Peter Anderson and Robert Hackett (pre-dissertation phase). Their intellectual mentoring and support over these past years have been most invaluable in my academic development. They are arguably the best committee any graduate student can ask for. I must in particular thank my Senior Supervisor—the brilliant, energetic and ever optimistic Dr. Yuezhi Zhao who literally went beyond the call of duty to ensure that this work came to fruition. Without her devotion and belief, the outcome could have been different and for that I will remain eternally grateful. I can only pray that my academic life will justify her enormous devotion to me. I am also indebted to several faculty members in the School of Communication, in particular Professors Robert Anderson, Catherine Murray, Rick Gruneau, Alison Beale and Robert Hackett (who taught the engaging graduate courses I was involved early in the program) as well as Professors Pat Howard (rtd), Garry McCarron, Kirsten Mcallister, Zoe Druick, Donald Gutstein, Martin Laba, Joan Marontate and Kathi Cross for their support and encouragement. And to Professor Peter Anderson, words cannot express my gratitude for all your help. Special thanks also go to my friends and colleagues in the graduate program some of who have since graduated—Fiona Jefferies, Shamshad Khan, Abu Jafar Bhuyian, Robert Prey, Yin-Fen Huang, Imran Munir and his wife, Marc Cote, Supaporn Phokaew, Florence Chee, Darryl Cressman, Manisha and Heiko Decosas, Gioux Xing, Ian Chunn, Daniel Ahadi, Sherry Yu, Liu Caroline, Mirjan Gollmitzer and Robert Hershorn. To the beautiful staff of the School of Communication—Lucie Menkveld, Neena Shehani, Denise Vanderwolf, Brenda Baldwin, Monique Cloutier and Amy Soo— you were all nice to me and I cannot thank you enough. Thanks for the memories. v I am indebted to Dr. James Compton (Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario) along with his wife Joan and lovely daughter Colleen; Dr. Marc Edge (Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Sam Houston University, Texas); Sylvia Roberts (SFU Communication Liaison Librarian); Shaheen Nanji, Chris Breedyk and Migo Alphonso (all of SFU International) and Caroline Lush of the Fraser Health Authority—for their encouragement and support over these past years. The meticulous editing and formatting skills of Joan Wolfe was invaluable in producing the final copy and I am very thankful for her assistance and patience. I had hoped to share this with Annie Korner and John Latham, the wonderful couple in whose loving home I stayed in my first two months in Vancouver. Unfortunately, John died in a senseless act of violence in 2006 in the hands of a young man who the couple had shown so much love. His distraught wife has since left town living as a recluse somewhere in the Prairies. Annie, I worry about you every day as you deserve much better than life has dealt you. John will forever remain in my thoughts and I hope to someday reestablish contact with you. Meanwhile, stay strong despite your health and emotional challenges. During my field research in Nigeria, many journalists, media professionals, bureaucrats and NGO activists took time to discuss their work with me. I am particularly indebted to the following—Dr. Reuben Abati (Chairman, Editorial Board of The Guardian Press), Eluem Emeka Izeze (Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian Press), Dimgba Igwe (Deputy-Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Newspaper), Edetaen Ojo (Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda), Wole Adeoye (Chairman, Journalists for Democratic Rights), Nosa Igiebor (Editor-in-Chief, Tell Magazine), Bayo Onanuga (Managing Director of The News Magazine), Prof. Pat Utomi (Pan-African University, Lagos), Lanre Idowu (Editor-in-Chief of The Media Review), Tom Adaba (Pioneer Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission), Prince Tony Momoh (distinguished journalist, Lawyer and former Minister of Information), Lanre Arogundade (Coordinator, International Press Center, Lagos) and Richard Akinnola (Center for Free Speech). Finally, special thanks to my immediate and extended family who have had to deal with my long absence. And I feel the pain too. To my siblings—Jane, Okwy, Ogo and Chy along with my brother-in-law Onyii—your love and prayers have kept me going. It has been a challenge but I am confident the worst is behind us. To mom and dad— vi Osodieme and Ezeonyekachi—great parents to an undeserving son, for not being around all these years and for still being less able to take care of you in your twilight years, I hope you will find some comfort in knowing that this dissertation is reverently dedicated to you.