INTERROGATING THE LEVEL OF FREEDOM OF NIGERIAN MEDIA IN THE FACE OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

ABSTRACT
The press has for long been regarded as the fourth estate of the realm.
This allusion to the media was based on its perceived power to provide
counterpoint to the functioning of the other three organs of government.
The only way the press can carry out its watchdog role is that it is free.
The Nigerian 1999 constitution, as amended provides for such freedom.
Yet, there is an inherent contradiction, as the same constitution has laws
that guide the operation of the media. Basing this study on the descriptive
analytical method, the paper found that during both military and civilian
regimes in Nigeria, several control measures and legal restraint have
always been in the way of the media from exercising this much desired
freedom. The paper concludes that absolute freedom is an illusion, as it
does not exist anywhere in the world. The paper therefore recommends
among other things, that journalists should be weary of these legal
stipulates, so as not to fall victim of the long arm of the law, as ignorance
is no excuse in law.

Keywords: Media FoIA Law Press Freedom Democracy