AN ARTICLE ON THE INCREASE IN PUMP PRICE OF PETROL: THE ROLE OF PROPAGANDA, MISINFORMATION, DISINFORMATION, NEW MEDIA AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Introduction

In taking the decision to increase petrol pump price, the government displayed rare insensitivity towards the poor masses of Nigeria who struggle to eke out a living under very excruciating circumstances. Infrastructure remains in a terrible state of disrepair electricity is practically non-existent; roads are in a pitiable state, potable water and basic facilities remain outside the purvey of the ordinary Nigerians. In fact, it is a sad commentary about the state of Nigeria that a citizen would have to provide housing for himself and this family. Besides, he has to provide a road or make the one that leads to his house possible; he has to provide water and worry about security. It is a nightmare!

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has given the condition under which there will be an increase in the retail pump price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol.

Sylva, in his reaction to the reported increase in the pump price of petrol, said that there will be no increment in its pump price by the Federal Government until the conclusion of its consultation with the Organized Labour

The Role of Propaganda

However, in its current usage, propaganda, still struggling to shrug off its negative perception, has to do with ‘bombarding’ people with certain messages in such a way and manner that the recipients are compelled to accept the message. In a way, it has to do with persuading people to accept positions; it deals with influence. The struggle to influence is not limited to individuals trying to influence friends, it also includes relatives or neighbours trying to persuade others to accept certain positions; it even extends to manufacturers seeking to influence consumers about their products; preachers working on their congregations and, of course, government trying to win the favourable opinions of their citizens. In all cases, while communication is important in propaganda it must be noted that action always reinforces or repudiates an earlier stated position. People tend to believe an action they have experienced rather than what they have only read or seen in the media.

Perception, for our purposes, means the ways individuals view issues, personalities, organisations, governments, etc. Although it is not usually obvious initially, perception is a powerful force in relating and dealing with others. In fact, so powerful is it that conventional wisdom has it that perception leads reality by the nose! The way people perceive issues, events, organisations or even personalities has no known formula; it is an attempt to make sense of the world they live in.

credibility is a major issue in communication as it is hinged on the idea of believability. Overtime, a communication source through consistent provision of believable and honest information, establishes a podium for his information to be readily acceptable. On the other hand, dishonest and deceptive performance in communicating with various audiences, destroys all avenues for credibility. Many governments in developing countries, especially in Nigeria, have, through previous communication efforts, demonstrated gross dishonesty. The natural outcome is that most of their pronouncements are just taken with a pinch (perhaps, a handful) of salt

is a nightmare!

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has given the condition under which there will be an increase in the retail pump price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol.

Sylva, in his reaction to the reported increase in the pump price of petrol, said that there will be no increment in its pump price by the Federal Government until the conclusion of its consultation with the Organized Labour

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