SUMMARY
The participation in government, which is one of the basic human rights, is an important part of democracy. The freedom of communication and public opinion permits talks on national issues of development and gives the opportunity to ensure that those who govern,should conduct themselves in line With the national development objectives.¹ Today,we can safely beat our chest that democracy has taken root in Nigeria with the successful transition from one democratically elected government, to another on may 29,1999. However,we cannot say Nigeria’s democracy has developed, as the mass media must work hard to sustain democratic successes we have achieved thus far. To further combine the successes recorded by the mass media so far,the government must take some important and concrete steps in overhauling the entire media industry in the country. First,priority must be Given to the welfare of media practioners. The government must address this issue so that the practioners would be motivated to give their best to sustain democracy.Also government should provide modern facilities. The word is technologically driven today and so the Nigeria mass media cannot Afford to be lacking in this Regard. Therefore,the Nigeria government should be’ proactive in making sure that broadcast stations are equipped With modern facilities.² The role of the mass media in the democratization of Nigeria,cannot be’ overemphasized. Therefore the mass media must look for avenues, to improve on the quality of information they disseminate in order to sustain Nigeria’s flagging democracy. Since democracy is all About popular government and participation,the mass media must play the role of providing strong link between those in government and the people by articulating,and constructively criticizing the goals,programmes, policies,of the government in power.Also the media houses in Nigeria must assist in maintaining an environment that is conducive to democracy in the country. The media should promote free choice of leadership, through the ballot box,respect for the rule of law by both the rulers and the ruled,they should also promote social justice and equity as well as respect for human right.³ Lastly,the mass media played an effective role in Nigeria’s democracy.
