Ajuri Ngelale’s Departure: President Tinubu’s Quest for a New Spokesperson
By Sani Danaudi Mohammed
The sudden resignation of Ajuri Ngelale as Presidential Spokesperson has left a significant void in President Tinubu’s communication team. To fill this gap, the President must seek out a highly skilled and experienced journalist who boasts an extensive network of national and international media connections. This individual must possess excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of the media landscape, and the ability to craft compelling narratives that showcase the President’s vision and policies.
The ideal candidate should enjoy the respect and friendship of media professionals across the globe, enabling them to secure favorable coverage and shape public opinion. With the complexities of modern governance and the 24-hour news cycle, President Tinubu requires a spokesperson who can effectively communicate his message, address press inquiries, and build strong relationships with journalists. By appointing a seasoned journalist with a strong network and expertise, the President can ensure his administration’s success and maintain a positive public image.
President Tinubu should learn from the exemplary appointment of Oluremi Oyo as spokesperson by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who demonstrated a keen understanding of the importance of effective communication in governance. Oyo’s tenure was marked by her ability to manage complex political crises with professionalism and poise, leveraging her extensive experience as a journalist and politician to maintain a positive image for the administration. By selecting a spokesperson with similar qualities, President Tinubu can ensure a strong and effective communication strategy for his administration.
President Yar’adua’s appointment of Olusegun Adeniyi as his spokesperson offers valuable lessons, as Adeniyi navigated complex issues like the Niger Delta amnesty and Yar’adua’s health issues, despite his tenure being cut short. Adeniyi’s experience highlights the need for spokespersons to be adaptable and resilient in the face of unexpected challenges, and to maintain a strong working relationship with the President and other key stakeholders.
Similarly, President Goodluck Jonathan’s appointment of Reuben Abati and later Doyin Okupe as his spokespersons provides insight into responding to crises like Boko Haram and corruption allegations, though their effectiveness was often criticized. Abati’s and Okupe’s tenures underscore the importance of spokespersons being proactive and strategic in their communication approach, and able to effectively address criticism and opposition.
Furthermore, President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu as his spokespersons offers lessons in managing crises like Boko Haram and economic recession, though their responses were sometimes criticized as inadequate. Adesina’s and Shehu’s experiences demonstrate the need for spokespersons to be able to communicate complex policy issues in a clear and concise manner, and to be responsive to the needs and concerns of various stakeholders.
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By studying these examples, President Tinubu can appoint a spokesperson who combines journalism experience, political savvy, and professionalism to effectively manage political crises and maintain a positive image for his administration. Such a spokesperson will be able to navigate the complexities of modern governance, leverage media relationships, and communicate the President’s vision and policies with clarity and conviction.
Although Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Adviser on Communication and Strategy, and Abdul’aziz Abdul’aziz, his Adviser on Print Media, are tipped as potential replacements for Ajuri Ngelale, the President must consider a broader search to find a spokesperson who can effectively address the contemporary challenges facing the nation. This individual should possess the ability to distill complex policies into clear, concise language that resonates with everyday Nigerians.
The ideal candidate should be able to articulate the President’s Renew Hope Agenda in a way that inspires confidence and understanding among citizens. They must navigate the complexities of modern governance, leveraging media relationships and strategic communication to promote the administration’s vision. By appointing a spokesperson who can effectively communicate the President’s policies and programs, Tinubu can foster a sense of connection with the Nigerian people and build trust in his administration.
President Tinubu must prioritize professionalism over politics in selecting his next spokesman, particularly as the opposition seeks to undermine his policies. Although these policies may yield long-term benefits, they currently impact millions of Nigerians negatively. To address this, the next spokesman should be adept at managing and bridging communication gaps, especially in the core north, a critical stronghold for President Tinubu.
The ideal candidate should possess diversity and linguistic skills, including fluency in Hausa, to effectively engage with various stakeholders. Garba Shehu’s successful management of former President Buhari’s complexities and misfortunes during his eight-year tenure serves as a model. By appointing a similarly skilled spokesman, President Tinubu can ensure effective communication, foster trust, and promote his policies’ benefits to the wider public, ultimately strengthening his administration’s impact and legacy.
In conclusion, the experience of Mohammed Idris Malagi, who was nominated as a minister and later assigned to the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, serves as a valuable lesson for President Tinubu. Malagi’s capacity has been justified through his effective management of complex issues such as the subsidy removal, EndBadGovernance protests, and ministerial briefings to communicate the President’s achievements.
Ajuri Ngelale’s background as a program anchor at AIT and Channels TV positioned him more as a television personality rather than a skilled government spokesperson or journalist equipped to navigate Nigeria’s intricate political landscape and bridge communication gaps, underscoring the need for a more seasoned and versatile communications expert to effectively manage the complexities of the President’s media relations.
To avoid another Ajuri Ngelale scenario, President Tinubu should consider appointing a seasoned journalist and PR consultant like Malagi, who possesses the expertise to navigate the complexities of modern governance and effectively communicate the administration’s policies and programs. By adding a brain like Malagi to his team, the President can ensure a seamless flow of information, mitigate crises, and build trust with the Nigerian people, ultimately leading to a successful tenure.
Danaudi, Public Affairs Analyst writes from Bauchi Via [email protected]
