News
As Malagi, Ngelale depart from Lai Mohammed’s infamy
By Farooq Kperogi
The Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, started their jobs by inaugurating a refreshing and applaudable departure from the primitive information management strategies of their predecessors. But can they sustain the moral high ground they signposted in their initiatory speeches?
On his first day in office on August 1, Ngelale took deserved and carefully targeted potshots at the rude and crude informational tactics of his predecessors. “Gone forever, by the grace of God, are the days when government spokesmen and women would speak down to Nigerians, would use condescending language with Nigerians, and would display some form of institutional arrogance toward Nigerians,” he said. “That will NOT be tolerated under my leadership.”
His message resonated with a broad band of Nigerians, especially on social media, because since the return of civilian rule in 1999, Nigerians have come to associate incivility, crudity, arrogance, and insults with the job of presidential spokesmanship. To have a presidential spokesman disavow this template of relating with Nigerians is pleasantly surprising.
For his part, Malagi, in what seemed like a veiled dig at his immediate predecessor, assured Nigerians that lies and propaganda would no longer be instruments of information management. “This time around, a process of restoring popular confidence and trust in government and its policies shall not lie in the domain of propaganda,” he said. “In other words, the era of relying on propaganda to propagate government programmes is now over.”
This is music to the ears, especially coming after Lai Mohammed whose entire career as Minister of Information and Culture was defined by a bewilderingly extravagant fondness for willful and easily falsifiable lies. Lai’s first name doesn’t just share an uncanny phonemic kinship with “lie”; he actually embodied lies in the most audaciously disreputable way imaginable.
All government information managers lie, but Lai’s lies were unmatched in their coarseness, brazenness, vulgarism, and disdain for the intelligence of Nigerians, which once caused me to wonder if he was the victim of a psychiatric disorder called “pseudologia fantastica” or “mythomania,” that is, chronically compulsive lying that causes liars to believe their own lies. A successor who repudiates this reputation is worthy of our attention.
I have written several past columns on the ineffectiveness of lies, intimidation, insults, and propaganda as means of official communication. In a February 28, 2015, column titled “Why Nigerian Politicians Now Prefer American Public Relations Firms,” for example, I wrote:
“Nigeria’s political public relations is crude, vulgar, and intellectually impoverished. No one who desires to change the hearts and minds of people should rely on it. Nigeria’s brand of political public relations, for the most part, does no more than attract enemies, scare away potential converts, and ossify negative opinions about candidates.
“It consists in barbarous, impulsive, sophomoric insults against real and imagined political opponents—and cloying, hagiographic defense of principals. It lacks nuance, is childish, and seems unconcerned with logic and persuasion.
“The performance of Reuben Abati and Doyin Okupe (who in fact describes himself as an ‘attack lion’)—and several others before them—in the defense of their bosses and the demonization of their bosses’ real and imagined political enemies is a classic example of the kind of primitive political public relations that holds sway in Nigeria. In this kind of political public relations, not only ‘political enemies’ come under heavy fire; facts, truth, and logic also become casualties.”
As spokesmen for Olusegun Obasanjo, Doyin Okupe and Femi Fani-Kayode trafficked in what I called an “unprecedented display of ill breeding and rudeness to our elders” and everyday Nigerians and “reckless and irresponsible juvenile bravado.”
Although Olusegun Adeniyi was urbane, responsible, polite, and guarded in the performance of his job as Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s spokesman, the ease with which he defended the obvious lies and fraud of the administration, especially in the last days of Yar’adua when governance basically ceased, made it difficult to take him seriously.
Then Reuben Abati came and started the trend of inventing group slurs for critics of the government. He infantilized and pathologized critics of Goodluck Jonathan as “collective children of anger.”
Femi Adesina built on Abati’s collective slurring of critics. One of Adesina’s most notable “achievements” was the invention of a vacuous, unimaginative, and idiotic insult for critics of Muhammadu Buhari. He called them “wailing wailers.”
As I pointed out in past columns, “Wailing Wailers” is a historically positive term because it is one of the earliest names of the reggae band formed by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer in Jamaica. The band took the world by storm with the irresistibly lyrical force and anti-imperialist content of its music. It betrays a spectacular creativity deficit to insult your opponents with a term of esteem.
Outside its creative use as the name of a music band, “wailing wailer” is an unintelligent waste of words. It’s akin to saying “writing writers” or “singing singers.” It takes unbelievably remarkable stupidity to think that “wailing wailer” or “wailer” is an insult, but it bespeaks an even more astonishing height in the ignorance index to hurl it at an opponent and imagine you have done something great.
Most importantly, though, why should a presidential spokesperson who is paid from the public purse vituperate all critics of a government with a crude slur? What does that achieve?
Well, I can tell you what it achieves. It creates a condition psychologists call reactance. Reactance occurs when people are motivated to persist in or double down on an opinion or course of action that caused them to be threatened with insults.
For example, I didn’t set out wanting to be a Buhari critic. In fact, like previous presidents, I wanted him to succeed for the benefit of the entire country. When I started calling out his missteps in 2015 in the most sympathetic ways possible, I got unwarrantedly violent pushback from people who thought Buhari was worthy only of worshipful admiration and not even the mildest censure for even his most obvious infractions.
The Buhari Media Center (BMC) was created to attack, smear, and libel me for merely daring to call out Buhari at a time when most people were scared of pointing out his weak points. But instead of cowing me, BMC’s attacks emboldened me and activated a motivational state of reactance that compelled me to reveal things about Buhari that I probably would have kept under wraps had BMC minions not set out to serially defame me for exercising my right to comment on the government.
Most critical, independent, self-aware people react the same way if their freedom of thought or action is violated with threats, insults, or other tools of emotional blackmail. In other words, it turns even fence-sitters into sworn enemies and hardens the opposition of opponents. The fact that Malagi and Ngelale appear to appreciate this elemental truth in persuasion and information management is admirable.
To my utter embarrassment, I had no knowledge of Ngelale until his appointment by Tinubu. I now know that he is a young man in his 30s (making him probably the youngest presidential spokesperson since 1999) who earned a political science degree from the University of Kansas in the United States in 2011 and had worked as Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs (where he defended many indefensible things).
Perhaps, his youth, transnational experience, and awful experiences in the Buhari regime have helped to shape his new approach to interfacing with Nigerians.
Malagi’s position doesn’t surprise me. As I wrote in a casual May 18, 2022, article when he ran for APC’s governorship nomination in Niger State, I have known Malagi since the late 1990s when I worked for the Weekly Trust. He is by far the best credentialed minister of information that Nigeria has had in recent memory.
After teaching at a college of education for years, he ventured into public relations, advertising, marketing, and finally publishing. Apart from being the publisher of the Abuja-based Blueprint newspaper, he is also the proprietor of WE 106.5 FM Abuja, was general secretary of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and has been a major player in the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
So, unlike past ministers of information, Malagi has deep intellectual and experiential familiarity with both public relations and journalism. Of course, this is no guarantee that he will succeed—or be better than his predecessors. Power both changes and reveals who people are. I know of no one who has remained the same after stepping foot in the corridors of power. I’ll be pleasantly shocked if Malagi is different.
For all you know, the praiseworthy words of Malagi and Ngelale may be no more than the ephemeral whispers of honeymoon sweet nothings. But the fact that they are unprecedented should invite us to pay attention and monitor how their actions match their words.
*Kperogi is a Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media at Kennesaw State University, Georgia, United States, and a notable columnist
Rivers State Government will from Monday, August 17, begin the commissioning of 10 major people-oriented projects across the state as part of efforts by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration to deepen development at the grassroots.
The commissioning programme, which will run through August 31, will cover projects across several local government areas, include roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure and other public facilities.
The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing in Port Harcourt.
According to Dr Wokoma, the projects are tangible evidence of the Governor’s commitment to transforming communities and addressing the developmental needs of residents across the state.
A statement by Juliana Masi, Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, office of the Secretary to the State Government, said that Dr. Wokoma disclosed that the commissioning will commence on August 17 with the Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, which links communities in Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.
The Egwi-Afara-Mba Road in Etche Local Government Area will be commissioned on August 18, followed by the Capt. Elechi Amadi Polytechnic’s Entrepreneurship Centre/Engineering Faculty Building on August 19.
The statement which was shared by Onwuka Nzechi, Chief Press Secretary to the River State Governor also stated that on August 20, the Governor will commission the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Dual Carriage Way in Ikwerre/Emohua/Onelga Local Government Areas, while the Omoku Zonal Hospital, Omoku in ONELGA, will be commissioned on August 21st.
The commissioning programme will resume on August 24 with the Omademe Internal Roads in Ikwerre LGA and attention will shift to Port Harcourt LGA on August 25 for the Commissioning of the New Runway at the Air Force Base, Rumuola.
On August 26, attention will shift to Emuoha LGA for the commissing of the Agba Ndele Road and Bridge while two major health facilities — the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital and New General Hospital, Rumuigbo, both in Obio/Akpor — are scheduled for commissioning on August 27.
The 10-day programme will end on August 28 with the commissioning of the Bonny National Grammar School in Bonny Local Government Area.
Dr. Wokoma said the projects reflected the administration’s determination to ensure that government policies and programmes affect citizens positively.
“These projects scheduled for commissioning are tangible evidence of His Excellency’s unwavering dedication to transform our communities and address the developmental needs of our people,” he said.
He added that the projects underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring that governance produced “meaningful and measurable benefits for every citizen across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.”
The SSG also acknowledged the contributions of government officials, contractors, host communities and other stakeholders to the completion of the projects as he urged Rivers people to participate in the commissioning activities and continue to support the administration in its pursuit of peace and development.
“We invite all Rivers people to join in celebrating these milestones and to continue supporting the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as it advances peace, development, progress, and prosperity,” Dr Wokoma said.
News
2027: Full text of what NHRC boss Tony Ojukwu said concerning rising incidences of hate speech, intimidation and threat to life
I welcome you to this press conference convened by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) at a critical moment in our national life.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Elections, the Commission considers it necessary to draw public attention to the growing use of hateful, intimidating, intolerant, denigrating, violence, inflammatory and divisive rhetoric and its potential consequences for human rights, peaceful coexistence and democratic participation.
The NHRC, as Nigeria’s independent National Human Rights Institution with a mandate to promote, protect and monitor human rights, has a responsibility to speak whenever public discourse threatens peaceful coexistence, human dignity, equality, peace and the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms.
1. WHY WE ARE HERE
In recent weeks, the Commission has had cause to express concern over statements attributed to certain public figures, including Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir and Senator Francis Fadahunsi, which, in the assessment of the Commission, have crossed the red line for decency, have the potential to denigrate individuals or groups, deepen social divisions and heighten tensions and instigate violence.
The Commission reiterates that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. However, freedom of expression carries responsibilities. It does not provide a licence to incite violence, promote hatred, dehumanise others or deliberately provoke hostility against persons or communities.
Our intervention today is therefore not directed at any political party, religious group, ethnic community or individual. It is a human rights intervention aimed at protecting the dignity and equal worth of every person and preserving the conditions necessary for peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
2. HATE SPEECH AND DIVISIVE RHETORIC: A HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERN
Hate speech should not be dismissed as mere political rhetoric or provocative language.
When public discourse portrays individuals or communities as enemies, inferior, dangerous or undeserving of rights and protection, it can contribute to discrimination, exclusion, intimidation and violence.
The consequences may include:
• Erosion of human dignity and equality;
• Incitement and escalation of violence;
• Discrimination against individuals and communities;
• Restrictions on meaningful political participation;
• Intimidation of voters and political opponents;
• Deepening of ethnic, religious and regional divisions; and
• Undermining of public confidence in democratic institutions.
These concerns are firmly rooted in Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations, including the protection of human dignity, equality, freedom of expression and peaceful participation in public affairs.
The appropriate response, however, must always be grounded in law, due process and respect for fundamental rights.
3. LESSONS FROM HISTORY
History has demonstrated that sustained denigrating, dehumanising and inflammatory rhetoric can create an environment in which discrimination and violence become increasingly acceptable.
The experience of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda remains one of the world’s most painful reminders of the destructive power of propaganda, denigration, dehumanisation and incitement.
Nigeria is not Rwanda, but the Commission suggests that the situation if unchecked could escalate circumstances into uncontrolled violence and chaos. God forbid. Nevertheless, the lesson is universal: societies must not wait until inflammatory rhetoric translates into violence before taking preventive action.
Prevention is a fundamental human rights obligation and the government has the primary responsibility under both national and international law to prevent violence and protect the people.
We must therefore identify and address dangerous narratives early, strengthen responsible public communication and ensure that those who cross the boundaries established by law are held accountable through lawful processes.
4. THE STAKES FOR THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS
Elections should provide citizens with an opportunity to freely determine their political future.
The 2027 General Elections must therefore be contests of ideas, policies, programmes, competence and service—not contests defined by hatred, ethnic hostility or religious antagonism.
Unchecked divisive rhetoric can contribute to:
1. Political violence through attacks, intimidation and threats against opponents and voters;
2. Communal tensions by exploiting ethnic, religious and regional identities;
3. Displacement and insecurity where communities feel threatened or targeted;
4. Suppression of civic participation where citizens become afraid to speak, assemble or come out to vote freely;
5. Erosion of democratic institutions and public trust; and
6. Long-term social fragmentation that may persist long after an election has ended.
The protection of human rights and the prevention of election-related violence must therefore be regarded as complementary objectives.
5. THE POSITION OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The NHRC unequivocally condemns hate speech, incitement to violence, intimidation, or dehumanising rhetoric and all forms of communication that threaten the dignity, security and rights of individuals or communities.
Accordingly, the Commission:
First, calls on all public officials, political actors, candidates and aspirants to exercise the highest level of responsibility in their public statements and political communication.
Second, urges political parties to call their party faithfuls to order and strengthen internal mechanisms for preventing and sanctioning intimidating and inflammatory rhetoric and to promote issue-based campaigns that respect rights.
Third, calls on religious, traditional and community leaders to use their considerable influence to promote peace, tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence rather to promote hate and violence and disunity.
Fourth, urges law enforcement and other relevant institutions to respond appropriately to credible cases of incitement, intimidation, threats and unlawful conduct, in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws, while respecting due process and fundamental rights.
Fifth, calls on the media to uphold professional and ethical standards in reporting intimidating and inflammatory statements. Responsible journalism requires that potentially harmful content is not amplified without context, verification and appropriate public-interest considerations.
Sixth, calls on social media users and digital platforms to exercise responsibility in the creation and dissemination of content. Nigerians should verify information before sharing content capable of provoking hatred, hostility or violence.
Seventh, encourages citizens who experience or witness human rights violations to report them through appropriate lawful channels, including the National Human Rights Commission.
6. A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP
The responsibility for preventing election-related violence does not rest with government or security institutions alone. Every Nigerian has a role to play.
To our political leaders, we say: compete on ideas, programmes, competence and your record of service—not on hatred or division.
To our religious and traditional leaders, we say: use your platforms to build bridges, promote tolerance and protect the dignity of every Nigerian.
To the media, we say: inform the public without becoming an amplifier of hatred or incitement.
To young Nigerians, particularly those who constitute a significant part of our online population, we say: do not allow yourselves to be used as instruments for spreading inflammatory content or misinformation.
And to all Nigerians, we say: our ethnic, religious and cultural diversity is not a weakness. It is part of the richness of our national identity.
7. THE WAY FORWARD
The NHRC will continue to monitor developments, document human rights concerns, engage relevant stakeholders and use its statutory powers to promote and protect human rights throughout the electoral cycle.
The Commission will also continue to advocate for a human rights-based approach to elections—one that places the dignity, safety, equality and participation of every Nigerian at the centre of the democratic process.
We must act before rhetoric becomes violence.
We must promote dialogue before division becomes conflict.
And we must protect human dignity before violations become irreversible.
8. CONCLUSION
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
The forth coming elections should be an opportunity to strengthen our democracy, not a trigger for division.
Nigeria has faced difficult moments before, and we have repeatedly demonstrated the capacity to overcome our differences. What we need now is responsible leadership, responsible communication and a renewed commitment to the fundamental principle that every Nigerian is entitled to dignity, equality and protection under the law.
The National Human Rights Commission will not remain silent when human dignity and fundamental rights are threatened.
We call on all stakeholders to join us in building an electoral environment in which disagreement does not become hatred, political competition does not become violence, and diversity does not become a justification for discrimination.
Let us disagree without dehumanising one another.
Let us compete without destroying one another.
Let us campaign without inciting one another.
And let us protect the Nigeria we all share.
I thank you for your attention.
I am now ready to take your questions.
*Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN*
*Executive Secretary/CEO*
*National Human Rights Commission*
*President Network of National Human Rights Institutions*
*in West Africa*
News
Breaking: Court of Appeal rules in favour of Turaki -led PDP candidate for Osun governorship election
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Thursday, ruled that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Gubernatorial Candidate in Osun State was validly nominated by the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee.
The court also ordered INEC to list the PDP logo on the ballot ahead of Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
The Court held that access code is neither a creation of the Constitution nor the Electoral Act; rather, a creation of INEC’s guidelines and cannot, in any way, override the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 288 of the Constitution does not specify the method for nominating candidates; it only states that the names of candidates should be forwarded to the Commission.
The court further held that the defendant (INEC) should take steps to include the name of the appellant on the ballot paper.
Additionally, the court ruled that the primary election conducted by the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP was a valid primary election in law.
The three-man panel of justices—Justice Mahmud, Justice Jaro, and Justice Ankawere, was unanimous in its judgment.
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