An Open Letter to Nigerian Journalists.
Dear Journalists,I write to you today not as critic but as fellow citizen who believe in the immense power and responsibility of your profession. The media has long been hailed as the Fourth Estate for a reason: 1. it’s meant to be an independent pillar of democracy, 2. a watchdog holding the other three branches—the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary—accountable. Your role is not merely to report the news but to be the voice of the voiceless, to shine a light on the shadows where injustice thrives, and to protect the public from the powerful.
The Betrayal of the Watchdog! It’s clear that the media’s sacred duty is under threat. We are witnessing a troubling romance between politicians and clergies, a public display of collaboration that goes largely unchallenged. This alliance often comes at the expense of the common people, the Third Estate, who are left to bear the brunt of their combined actions.
When the media, the supposed watchdog, is either a silent bystander or, worse, an accomplice, the foundation of our democracy begins to crumble.The consequences of this betrayal are devastatingly real. Insecurity has become a daily reality, ravaging communities and leaving ordinary Nigerians in a state of constant fear.
The absence of a strong media voice to pressure the government into action has allowed this crisis to fester. Instead of holding power to account, many media outlets have become platforms for political and religious leaders to spread propaganda and deflect from their failures.
The Economy and the Brown Envelope! The economy is in bad shape because of bad policies introduced by the ruling party. Yet, you are watching as these policies are crumbling businesses and eroding public confidence in the government.
This is happening while some of you are having dark-hour meetings just to launder the image of the government or help them control the narrative.How can a journalist possibly change the true story of over 51,000 malnourished children into a narrative of well-fed citizens? How is it possible to look away from the suffering and accept a bribe to peddle lies?
Is it not better to say the truth and die with a pen in your hand than to die with a “brown envelope” of bribery? Your integrity is worth more than any payment.Reclaim Your Power!Journalism is a public service, not a mere profit-making venture. While we understand the economic realities you face, succumbing to commercial and political pressures turns a noble profession into a puppet show.
When media outlets are owned and controlled by the very people they are meant to scrutinize, the watchdog becomes a pet, loyal only to its master. This is a betrayal of the trust the public places in you.The clergy and the political elite are now a two-headed monster, and their collaboration is destroying the fabric of our society.
It is your duty to expose this unholy alliance, to investigate the sources of their wealth and power, and to reveal the true cost of their “romance” on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.Remember your purpose.
Your power lies in your ability to inform, to question, and to inspire change. It’s time to reclaim your independence and return to your core duties of investigative journalism and unbiased reporting. Break the silence and hold those in power accountable, regardless of their political or religious affiliation.
The common people are counting on you. Do not let us down.Comrade, Ibrahim Garba Wala, National Lead Advocate, The Handshake Movement.
