Opinion

By SHEDDY OZOENE Since his appointment as Special Adviser to the President, Media and Public Communications on November 14, Daniel Bwala has moved from one controversy to the other. After what many consider a betrayal of Atiku Abubakar whom he worked for as presidential campaign spokesman in 2023, the appointment was for him a dream come true. He had spent so much time since Bola Tinubu became president, trying to justify his return to the All Progressives Congress he serially disparaged and a President he so virulently opposed as candidate during the campaign. With the appointment, there was reason for…

By TONY ONYIMA, Ph.D. The recent restructuring of President Ahmed Tinubu’s media and communications team introduces an unconventional approach. It dispenses with the traditional singular spokesperson for the Presidency and instead delegates this role to a team of three special advisers. While the stated objective is to enhance efficiency and ensure consistent messaging, this strategy raises critical questions about its practicality and potential pitfalls.The primary risk of a decentralised communication model is the lack of a unified voice. Effective public communication requires coherence and clarity, especially at the presidential level. Multiple spokespersons increase the likelihood of conflicting narratives, especially on…

Tinubu’s four dogs of war against democracy: What is worse, three out of Tinubu’s four dogs of war against democracy – Judiciary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Police – are the very institutions that can and should guarantee the survival of the country’s people-driven governance system. Tinubu and his four dogs of war against democracy By IKECHUKWU AMAECHI As a journalist, I admire cartoonists, those visual artists who draw and create engaging captions, for their genius. They are not only creative and original, but also investigative, often incorporating humour, wit and satire in their works. When they are…

By YAHAYA ETILA Recently, the federal government announced the establishment of a "Disaster Relief Fund" to address national disasters like flooding. I struggled to understand the aim and objectives because Wale Edun, the minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the economy, stuttered when making the announcement. Yes, there is no doubt that when disasters occur, it is incumbent on the government to provide relief to those affected promptly to cushion the effect of such disasters. Does the country have a framework for addressing disaster situations, and has the agencies involved in disaster management lived up to expectations? I think…

By SHEDDY OZOENE The expansive headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Jabi, Abuja, deserves to have a wing for circuses. The building is so imposing that the mere sight should frighten the crime-minded, but behind the façade lies a clay-footed anti-graft agency that enjoys playing to the gallery and displaying the absurd. Over the years, it has witnessed many spectacular acts of triviality but on the watch of Olukayode Olanipekun, unnecessary ego now drives its policies and operations. Nowhere has this absurdity played out more than in its lousy handling of the case involving Yahaya Bello,…