Press Freedom Day: Investigative Journalism Suffers Setback to Poor Renumeration, Says Poly HOD

Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu, BAUCHI

The Head of Department of Mass Communication of Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi Dr Shamsudeen Dauda has attributed poor remuneration as one of the factor militating against investigative journalism in the country. 

He made the assertion in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on a special day to commemorate the International World Press Freedom Day, Wednesday in Bauchi, saying that motivation is a weapon and key success to any organization. 

The Polytechnic lecturer argued that if the journalists are being paid good renumerations, they can go to any length and dig into any crucial and vital information that will give the organization a good name to stand out different among its competators. 

According to him, most of the reporters in media organizations today don't have any specific allowances or salary package from their employees, saying "what the employees give them was only Identification Card or Introduction Letters to fend for a living, with no any other options rather than to comprimise in some situations."

Dr. Shamsuddeen Dauda explained that the trend has affected the performance of many journalists to carry out effective investigative reporting which invariably cripplled the journalism profession in the country. 

On the part of freedom of expression for the journalists, he said that Nigeria and Bauchi state in particular has achieved and demostrated 65-70% access to some vital government documents by media practiontioners, stressing the need for governments at all levels to allow journalists have access to their request in performing their duties.

The HOD however enjoyed the journalists to ensure they operates within the confines of the law and shun any negative report that will dent their image and their organizations. 

He commended the role of the present administration of President Muhammadu  Buhari, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for providing a level playing ground to all media outlets and  ensure they operate within the confines of the law.