MANAGING SEPARATIST NARRATIVES: THE ROLE OF RADIO BIAFRA AND ITS ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES

This study examined Pirates Broadcasting and Separatists Agitation in Nigeria. A study of Radio Biafra. The objectives of the study were to; ascertain the awareness of the existence of Biafra radio, find out the states where the Radio Biafra signal is mostly received in Nigeria, evaluate the level of listenership, identify the overriding messages dished out to Nigerians by radio Biafra, and ascertain the influence messages from Biafra radio. The theoretical framework of the study was drawn from Biafra radio. The theoretical framework of the study was drawn from indoctrination theory and Agenda setting theory. The study made use of survey method. The population consisted of five South-East States of Nigeria. (26 million according to National Population Commission. Using Taro Yamane Formula, the sample size is given as 400. Bourley’s proportional allocation technique aided the proportionate allocation of sample size to each states. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Data was analysed using simple percentages, mean and standard deviations. Findings revealed that the signal of Biafra radio is received in the entire South-East Region of Nigeria and also revealed high level of listenership. Based on the foregoing therefore, the study recommends amongst other that Nigerian Government should provide employment for the youth and tone down the threats of crumbling the agitation, but endeavour to look into the demand(s) of the agitating group and call for peace talk. Secondly, the government should encourages the South-East leaders to persuade protesters to channel their grievances and demand though constitutional means/avenues