Often, the gap of understanding between governments and the citizens is very wide. This is as a result of the inability of sensitive government organs to effectively communicate policies and programmes to the understanding of citizens.
Serially, Nigeria has been caught in this web of citizens and their governments not being on the same page. A classical example is the recent removal of fuel subsidy. We all know that it is in the best interest of the country for subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to be removed. However, the gap in communicating this robust policy to Nigerians have led to misunderstanding of the whole concept, with its attendant demonisation of the current government.
It has been said that good intention alone is not enough. It must be properly communicated in order to enjoy maximum cooperation from citizens, and deliver the expected impact. As the Renewed Hope government settles for business, it is important to drum this into our ears again and again that the head and tail of any government should be about the welfare of the people. Hence, any decision that government must take as it has to do with the wellbeing of the people, must be properly and effectively communicated to them.
In this wise, the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Information Ministry must collaborate actively to ensure only relevant information are pushed out for the consumption of Nigerians. At a time of immense national despair such as this, proper management of information is key to wangling and recalibrating the country out of the woods.
Nature abhors vacuum, we all know. Where right and credible information is not readily available, mischief makers won’t shy away from unleashing their sinister agenda of shunning out negative narratives with its attendant negative consequences on government, security, national unity and development.
In the past, we have seen careless/slack handling of information degenerate into security threats and at other times pose grave security risk for the country. It is assumed in communication theory that where information is not forthcoming as it should from the right channels, it gives rise to speculations, rumours and grapevines. Moreover, that we are in the era of social media activism/frenzy, government information managers must be on top of their games to ensure falsehoods and barefaced lies are not only knocked off but on time before it does damage.
The good news is that the office of the NSA is manned by Nuhu Ribadu, reputed for his wizardry in handling sensitive government informations. This is not the first time for this security czar. Armed with experience as chairman of the Petroleum Special Revenue Task Force from 2012 to 2014 and the chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from 2003 to 2007, the government commission tasked with countering corruption and fraud, Ribadu is well grounded to know the importance of skillful management of information.
On the flip side, the new Information Minister, Mohammed Idris Malagi, is a hard-core professional, with evidence to show for his ingenuity. This is one appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that has been described as a round peg in a round hole.
Needless to emphasise that Malagi is a publisher of great repute, a media mogul, public relations professional, and politician. As the founder/chairman and publisher of Blueprint Newspapers; chairman of Abuja based Kings Broadcasting Limited, owners of WE 106.5 FM Abuja, he was the general secretary of Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN). He was director, Strategic Communications, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council. This bumper résumé bears eloquent testimony to Malagi’s pedigree in information processing and dissemination.
Idris Malagi, whose nomination by President Tinubu did not come to many as a surprise, has established himself as a prominent figure in the Nigerian media and public relations. As the Minister of Information and National Orientation, President Tinubu knows that the Blueprint publisher will deploy his intellectual acumen to bridge the communication gap between the government and the public.
Described by many as a dynamic and media-savvy individual, Mohammed Idris can be the catalyst for positive change, elevating the nation’s communication efforts to new heights, while fostering a more engaged and informed society. With his appointment as Information minister by President Tinubu, the nation would undoubtedly benefit from his expertise, and the public can look forward to a more transparent and well-informed governance.
Idris, a man of remarkable talent, and a visionary leader, hails from Malagi, a community in Gbako local government area of Niger state.
Born on May 2, 1966, Idris, with an illustrious career as a publisher, skilled PR expert, and brand builder, has earned widespread recognition and respect in Nigeria’s media landscape. His deep understanding of public relations strategies and media management has been evident in his role as the founder and chairperson of the Bifocal Group and Blueprint Newspapers.
As the head of the Bifocal Group, Mohammed Idris has steered the company to extraordinary success, positioning it as a dominant player in the communications and public relations industry. His purpose-driven leadership and ability to navigate the ever-changing media landscape have resulted in the establishment of strong brand identities for numerous clients, both corporate and government.
With these qualities combined with information and intelligence gathering mastery of NSA Ribadu, one expects everything to go well.
Regrettably, the recent loss of over 20 soldiers in a bandits attack are the more reason why government information should be managed/handled discreetly and skillfully too. Bandits are not spirits, they must be feeding on flippant handling of information or activities of fifth columnists. In our polity, there are too many communication channels. This explains why sensitive government informations often leak into wrong hands.
Similarly, there must be penalty for trading of government secrets. This has become common occurrence in our clime that sensitive government informations are openly traded. Until we start treating culprits as saboteurs, this menace will not stop. Nigeria has lost quality number of service men to porous management of information. It is time to criminalise it.
Permit me to delve down memory lane to buttress strategic place of information and communication in nation building. Information generally is one of the strategic keys to advancing national causes. Leaders like Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill have used the power of information to drive national aspirations. It is a potent tool and key stabilising factor in enhancing societal development.
During the Second World War, when Hitler invaded Western Europe, and had almost overran Britain, Churchill deployed the power of proper information, personal oratory and charisma to rally Britons, motivate them to stay on cause until reinforcement came.
On May 19, 1940, Winston Churchill made his first broadcast as prime minister. With the defeat of France imminent and speaking just seven days before the start of the Dunkirk evacuation, he invoked the threat of Nazi invasion in Biblical terms. Churchill urged Britons: ‘Arm yourselves, and be ye men of valour, and be in readiness for the conflict; for it is better for us to die in battle than to look upon the outrage of our nation and our altar“.
Most dictators throughout history are men steeped in the art of sound information/manipulation to keep the people stay on cause or loyal. During the World War II, Adolf Hitler used the power of government information machinery to urge the German troop on.
The good news is that both NSA Nuhu Ribadu and the new Information Minister, Mohammed Idris Malagi, are men of will, timber and calibre suited for this onerous task under the Tinubu administration.
What they need to do is simple. The Honourable Minister and NSA should forward a request to the president for executive order establishing a fact-finding Investigative Media like it is done in the United States of America and Russia. It helps to reduce the rate at government gives more details on matters of security within the national and international community.
Fact-finding investigative media will serve as an important tool for government to gather relevant information and bringing it to the attention of the public. They are a signal of our concern about a potentially explosive situation. This tool is used pragmatically and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
As I conclude, let me restate that Nigeria has saboteurs today than anytime in history. Hence, there are too many Nigerians who don’t care if Nigeria falls. Hence, information must be managed with utmost discretion and professionalism. That is exactly what Malagi and Ribadu are expected to do.
Ibrahim is director, Communication and Strategic Planning, Presidential Support Committee (PSC).
