As Nigeria’s political landscape changes and evolves, media aides play an increasingly important role in molding public opinion and spreading information. However, a cloud of criticism hangs over President Bola Tinubu’s media team, with Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, and others under fire for their perceived incompetence and disconnection from their responsibilities.<\/p>\n
In today’s politics, effective communication is essential. However, the Tinubu administration’s media advisers have consistently fallen short in this area, failing to properly express the President’s message and address popular concerns. Chief Ngelale, noted for his impassioned news releases, has frequently been accused of using rhetoric rather than actual involvement with the issues at hand. His strategy, which involves diverting criticism rather than confronting it head on, has only increased public cynicism and frustration.<\/p>\n
Many experts thought Ngelale’s term as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs was beneficial to Tinubu’s government. Most were disillusioned months after his employment as Tinubu’s spokesperson after he made multiple unforgivable public relations mistakes.<\/p>\n
Among Ajuri\u2019s numerous gaffes were noticeable infractions when he issued a press release on the withdrawal of the nomination of Engr. Imam Kashim Imam to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). In saner climes, this kind of gaffe would have cost him his job as Presidential spokesperson. But, he somehow managed to keep his job. Ajuri still had the effrontery to defend himself.<\/p>\n
Another came when he issued another press release stating President Tinubu has dismissed Babatunde Irukera as Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The situation reached an anti-climax when Onanuga had to publicly correct Ajuri that Irukera. Onanuga wrote \u201cThe President\u2019s directive did not intend a dismissal . The two men who have served our country were relieved of their duties by the President, as he scouts for their successors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Similarly, Onanuga, another prominent member of Tinubu’s media team, has come under fire for his apparent disconnect from the realities of average Nigerians. Despite the dire economic and social difficulties confronting the country, Onanuga’s solutions have been called out of touch, lacking the empathy and knowledge required to connect with the public. Instead of delivering genuine solutions or expressing camaraderie with those affected, his statements usually sound hollow, further alienating the administration from people it professes to serve. Analysts have noted that his interventions frequently involve “attacking the opposition” rather than addressing the issues. Critics wonder how his efforts aided Tinubu’s administration positively.<\/p>\n
Even the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, demonstrated a concerning lack of attention to detail. He shared an outdated picture on his Twitter handle, erroneously implying that former Kogi State Governor Yaya Bello was present at a meeting with Tinubu. This oversight raises questions about the accuracy of his information. How many more mistakes will occur before corrective action is taken?<\/p>\n
Beyond individual shortcomings, a broader pattern of incompetence appears to pervade Tinubu’s media machinery. The team’s inability to effectively manage crises or capitalize on opportunities for positive messaging has led to a series of public relations missteps, eroding the President’s credibility and diminishing his influence. From mishandling sensitive issues to failing to capitalize on key moments of national significance, such as addressing the nation during times of crisis, Tinubu’s media aides have consistently fallen short of expectations.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the disconnect between the media staff and the Nigerian populace is obvious. While President Tinubu has a solid base of support in some circles, his media advisers have struggled to successfully articulate his objectives and gain wider public support. Their unwillingness to interact with all elements of society, notably youth and marginalized populations, has only exacerbated existing divisions and fuelled rebellion.<\/p>\n
In response to rising criticism, calls for President Tinubu to restructure his media team have gotten louder. Many think that restoring public trust and bolstering the administration’s legitimacy requires a new approach marked by transparency, empathy, and proactive participation. Whether Tinubu heeds these calls remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the competency and efficacy of his media advisers will play a critical role in setting the direction of his presidency and the future of Nigerian politics.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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