Democracy, Good Governance and Press Freedom in the 21st Century Nigeria

Abstract

The relationship amongst Democracy, good governance, and Press freedom cannot be over 
emphasized. This is because they are inter-related as the practice of one brings about the 
effectiveness of the other. In Nigeria, precisely in this 21st century, it is however unfortunate that 
Democracy is not practiced in a practical manner and its seen as being a theoretical phenomenon. 
When democracy is not properly practiced, there won't be room for good governance freedom of 
the press and through press freedom the excesses of government can be checkmated. Using 
qualitative sources of data, the paper reveals that democracy has even in advanced countries not 
been practiced freely and fairly, though it is not dominated by many flaws as it is the case in Nigeria. 
This has prevented good governance from taking place. The paper established the link between, 
Democracy, Good governance and Press freedom in Nigeria and is of the opinion that good 
governance ensures democratic norms and practices while democracy offers the best prospects for 
good governance. However, democratic governance does not imply press freedom and good 
governance. It however, follows that good governance and press freedom is enhanced by 
democracy. The paper clearly demonstrates that efforts to attain good governance and freedom of 
the press in Nigeria has failed and concludes by way of recommendation that all the apparatus that 
can be used to promote good governance and press freedom be employed towards a lasting and 
effective democracy.