ONE of the ugly experiences of our unfortunate democratic experience is the activities of government spokespersons. The media aides are as bad as thugs used by politicians to terrify their enemies. All I have seen, except Segun Adeniyi, the former media aid to the late President Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, are a menace and pose serious danger to our collective aspirations to advance our nascent democracy. Mr. Adeniyi did his job within the ambits of civility and professionalism.
Several spokespersons have used their platforms to intimidate, harass, or demonise critics, opposition figures, or journalists. Just recently, former President Olusegun Obasanjo came under attack for criticising the government of President Tinubu. Bishop Kukah has also been given his fare dose of attack. Atiku and Obi are regular victims of venomous retribution of the government media aids. Unfortunately, these set of aids are ready to defend even the most poisonous actions of government.
The job of media aides in all climes have significant implications for the country’s democracy, governance, and international reputation. It is essential for spokespersons to adhere to the principles of transparency, accountability, and professionalism, and for the government to ensure that its representatives are held to the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.
ALSO READ: Standing On The Shoulders Of Isah Uguda And Jibrin Ibrahim; By Owei Lakemfa
Our spokespersons, especially at the presidential level, have proven beyond reasonable doubt that they cannot be taken seriously. It is in their character to be black in the morning, be white in the afternoon and be red at night. The people who were stridently vocal in opposition against Tinubu during the 2023 presidential electioneering period, are now romancing the president and his policies. The aides speak from both sides of their mouth. I guess that one of the prerequisites for that job is that one must have serious character flaws, especially one that borders on trust and integrity. Media officers of political office holders have almost convinced us that the wrong notion of democracy as a battle of ideas is good and superior to the deliberative dimension of democratic culture.
ALSO READ: President Tinubu On State Visit To France; By Jibrin Ibrahim
I am of the opinion that government spokespersons often disseminate false or misleading information to manipulate public opinion. They have been accused of withholding information, denying responsibility, or shifting blame when confronted with criticisms or controversies. For eight years, the media aids of ex-President Buhari’s government were either blaming former President Jonathan or attacking Nigerians who disagree with policies of government.
In this days of vindictive politics, public affairs commentators and those who are gifted with ability to talk are most watched and targeted for vilification. Some ex-media aids with EFCC baggage are gravitating towards the government in town. The beauty of APC is that the party has openly invited all that a heavily laden with corruption allegations to come for forgiveness. The moment you join, irrespective of the gravity of the corruption allegations, respite will be activated for the person. All the people that were linked with Dasuki are now speaking in favour of Tinubu to escape the wrath of EFCC.
Some government spokespersons have been known to use inflammatory language, exacerbating ethnic, religious, or regional tensions. In 2023 campaign, APC spokespersons threw caution to the winds. They were accused of heating up the polity with inflammatory languages.
Several spokespersons have used their platforms to intimidate, harass, or demonise critics, opposition figures, or journalists. Just recently, former President Olusegun Obasanjo came under attack for criticising the government of President Tinubu. Bishop Kukah has also been given his fare dose of attack. Atiku and Obi are regular victims of venomous retribution of the government media aids. Unfortunately, these set of aids are ready to defend even the most poisonous actions of government.
Their insensitive responses to national tragedies, crisis, or humanitarian issues are so nauseating.
A spokesperson is supposed to drive the image-making machinery of government. Their actions are supposed to have far-reaching implications for democracy, governance, and the country’s international reputation. Unfortunately, most of the media aids operate as thugs. Their approach can be described as media thuggery. Some of them who emerged as champions of our democratic struggle, because of skewed and twisted narratives, have deployed the same tactics in rabid immolation of opposition.
ALSO READ: PBAT, The North And Ndume’s Hereditary Senate; By Aminu Habibu Jahun
In this days of vindictive politics, public affairs commentators and those who are gifted with ability to talk are most watched and targeted for vilification. Some ex-media aids with EFCC baggage are gravitating towards the government in town. The beauty of APC is that the party has openly invited all that a heavily laden with corruption allegations to come for forgiveness. The moment you join, irrespective of the gravity of the corruption allegations, respite will be activated for the person. All the people that were linked with Dasuki are now speaking in favour of Tinubu to escape the wrath of EFCC.
The job of a spokesperson is one of the most unfortunate in our political sphere. Story was told of a senior spokesperson who served the military and civilian government. For just being out of government for only one year, he was utterly broke. Once they stop speaking, hunger starts inching towards them. When human brains respond only to the conditions of the stomach, tragedy because inevitable.
Comrade Amechi, Lagos-based trade union activist, will write this column, ‘The Observer’s View, every Tuesday.
