Over the years, society has shown the curious interconnection between two major aspects of: politics and journalism. There has been a mysterious link between the duo for a very long time. Many struggled and wished to stay at one end of both ropes, but such attempts seemed futile. Several people have crossed the boundary,dangling between both paths more than once.

It is rather obvious that there is a clear firewall between two professions. There seem to be a very thin boundary, or perhaps, a reflective door in the firewall, such that with time, politicians and journalists cross the line changing roles and moving from side to side. When they cross, there is somewhat complete attainment of different characters, thus, journalists have a shaky responsibility.

As a direct consequence, it can be argued that there is nothing wrong with a journalist making on a foray into politics. However, it becomes knotty when a journalist aims to campaign while reporting. Otherwise, we get caught up in biased judgements.

Today, the elites are often not comfortable with the media, and in the same vein, the media look at the government with contempt whenever its freedom is tampered with. The super-powers are often in war with reporters; and the reason for this is the suspicion that a free press could lionise an ordinary citizen to an extent of causing a shift in power base. This assumption, is erroneous in journalism.

The most important attribute can be linked to efforts of antediluvian journalists cum politicians such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Herbert Macaulay, Obafemi Awolowo and others, who all cut their first teeth in journalism before joining politics.

The provision of Section 22 of 1999 Constitution confers the freedom of press on Nigerian media. It reads inter-alia: “the press, radio, television and other agencies of mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.”

This particular provision relates to all media practitioners and press outfits throughout the Federal republic of Nigeria. It also grants private individuals the power to run their own press outfits or consolidate the government-owned. In this regard, the media remains the sole watchdog of the three components of the government, to wit; executive, judiciary and the legislature.

In a nutshell, the nexus between journalism and politics is divergent. Thus, there has been a growing case of symbiotic relationship between the two. For better outcome, all concerned parties need to define their responsibilities and maintain their niche without transgressing same.

Aminat, 400-Level Chemistry, UNILORIN