Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has issued a warning about individuals whose interests conflict with the principles of majority rule, claiming they are actively working to undermine the country’s hard-earned democracy.
He accused these individuals of manipulating the populace and fostering disunity by politicizing nearly every issue, stating that they have been damaging Nigeria’s reputation and portraying it negatively on the global stage.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 48th National Council on Information and National Orientation, Governor Sani emphasized the need to closely monitor these elements and develop strategic communication plans to counter their divisive and harmful narratives.
He reminded attendees that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office during a challenging period in the nation’s history, inheriting a severely weakened economy.
Governor Sani argued that the president faces the daunting challenge of initiating and executing significant measures to avert an economic collapse in Nigeria.
He noted that due to the global economic downturn and years of mismanagement, restoring the economy will take time and ongoing efforts. This is why President Tinubu has proposed innovative and creative solutions aimed at revitalizing the economy and ensuring sustainable growth and development for the nation.
While acknowledging that some of these measures may be difficult, he assured that they are being implemented with good intentions for the benefit of the Nigerian people. As a father figure to the nation, President Tinubu has continued to inspire hope in the potential of Nigeria, he asserted.
The Governor highlighted the responsibility of information managers to effectively communicate the President’s Reform Agenda to the public by developing a comprehensive communications strategy for this vital task.
He stressed the importance of providing the public with context about the reforms, explaining their purpose and benefits. Patience is essential, and information should be tailored to address the unique characteristics of different audiences. Gaining the public’s support is crucial, as they are the foundation of our efforts, he urged.
Governor Sani reminded the audience that the history of Nigeria cannot be fully told without acknowledging the role of information managers and the media, which played a pivotal role in the fight against colonial rule.
The media collaborated with other progressive groups to challenge military dictatorship and has remained dedicated to upholding and advancing democracy.
He stated, “I am a product of this struggle. I stood alongside key media figures and information managers in our fight to restore democracy in our country.”
He emphasized that we all have a stake in this democracy and must do everything possible to strengthen and protect it. He expressed concern over the actions of certain elements.
The Governor pointed out that the theme of this year’s meeting, “Enhancing Public Information Management for Inclusive Governance: Renewed Hope in Focus,” is particularly relevant.
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“It not only highlights the essential role of information in democratic societies but also reflects our commitment to a process-oriented and participatory approach to governance.
“Effective public information management is vital for fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance,” he concluded.