THE LEGISLATURES, MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA (1999-2007)

Democracy is all about ensuring popular participation and control of the process of government. The major objective of this paper was to ascertain the role of the Legislatures, the Press and Democracy in Nigeria between the periods of (1999-2007). The work adopted a survey method in assessing the role of the Legislatures, the Press and Democracy in Nigeria). As the instrument of data collection, secondary data was used. Using a dynamic generalized method of Moment’s Panel data analysis, the study found that Legislators do not see media practitioners as partners in the promotion of Democracy. Also, Legislators do not respect the media as a legitimate reflection of public opinion, public concerns and social problems and reactions to policies and programs. Based on the followings, the paper recommended that legislators should see media practitioners as partners in the promotion of Democracy by being open to them, interact with them freely and provide them with relevant information that would enable them join hands with the Parliament to promote Democracy in Nigeria. As well, there’s need for the parliament to respect the media as a legitimate reflection of public opinion, public concerns and social problems and reactions to policies and programs of the government to bring about the development desired.