AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

PERISCOPING JOURNALISTS’ SAFETY UNDERPRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI’S ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA

Author:  ANDREW IKE ONYEKOSOR, (Ph.D), EDWARD DIEGBEGHA YEIBO, (Ph.D), EMMANUEL ANAYO WOKEMEZIE, (Ph.D), GOODNIGHT ODIEPIRIYE HAROLD, (Ph.D) & ERIC GBENEKA +GODAM, (Ph.D)

Abstract
This study investigated the safety of journalists under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in Nigeria. The study was informed by media reports of intimidations, harassments and killings of Journalists by officials of President Buhari’s Administration. In carrying out this investigation, four objectives were formulated out of which four research questions were designed to elicit data from respondents. Research design of survey was employed, while a 12-item questionnaire was used as research instrument. Population of the study comprised all registered journalists in Rivers State which was 512. Study sample of 150 respondents was drawn from the population through the Taro Yamane formula. Data were analysed using simple percentages. In the end, study showed that no journalist was killed by state actors under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration; that the claim that no journalist was arrested was false; arrest of journalists was the most frequent measure employed against journalists’ safety and freedom. It was recommended that government of President Muhammadu Buhari should strive to uphold the tenets of democracy and the rule of law; safety of journalists should be given priority attention; while safety insurance scheme should be given as incentive to journalists among others.