…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. A week into President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, the announcement of an official spokesperson has yet to be made, sparking curiosity and speculation about the reasons behind the delay.
An investigation by the Guardian has shed light on the situation, revealing that President Tinubu’s efforts to reshape his media strategy have encountered resistance among his media aides.
Resistance and Disagreements Among Media Aides:
President Tinubu’s desire to bring new approaches to his presidency has led to disagreements among his media aides.
The disagreements primarily revolve around the structure and job responsibilities of different roles within the media team.
This resistance has hindered the timely announcement of key positions, including the official spokesperson and Chief of Staff (CoS), which are typically announced shortly after the president’s inauguration.
Gradual Announcements of Key Positions:
While President Tinubu was sworn in on May 29, the official announcement of key positions has been a gradual process.
It was only recently that Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, was announced as the CoS, and George Akume, a former governor of Benue State, was named Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The delayed appointment of an official spokesperson suggests that President Tinubu is looking for more than just a representative; this individual will likely be a cabinet member with the authority to actively participate in discussions and voting during Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings.
Potential Cabinet Nominee:
The forthcoming spokesperson, with an expanded role, might be included in the list of ministerial nominees to be presented to the 10th National Assembly, which is scheduled to be inaugurated on June 13.
This indicates that President Tinubu intends to integrate the spokesperson’s position into the cabinet, granting them direct access to important decision-making processes.
Reasons for the Delay:
According to a source close to President Tinubu, the delay in announcing the spokesperson is a result of the government’s intention to introduce significant innovations in its media approach.
The source emphasizes that these changes will differentiate the presidency’s media strategy from previous administrations, hence requiring additional time for proper announcement and implementation.
Interference and Ambitions Among Media Aides:
Internal maneuvering among President Tinubu’s media aides has been another factor contributing to the delay in appointing a spokesperson.
Some media aides are not only vying for the position but also seeking direct access to the President, bypassing the Chief of Staff, while maintaining a cabinet role.
This internal power struggle and desire for influence have complicated the process of finalizing the spokesperson appointment.
Acting Media Adviser and Press Statements:
Although an official spokesperson has not been appointed, Dele Alake has been serving as the acting media adviser to President Tinubu.
Alake has been responsible for conveying the government’s stance on various issues.
Additionally, Tunde Rahman, Tinubu’s personal media aide, has been issuing press statements since the President assumed office.
No Legal Obligation to Appoint a Spokesperson:
When asked about the delay in appointing a spokesperson, Dele Alake stated that there is no legal requirement for the President to announce one within a specific timeframe.
This suggests that President Tinubu has the freedom to determine the appropriate timing for the appointment according to his administration’s needs.
Conclusion:
The delay in announcing an official spokesperson in President Bola Tinubu’s administration has raised questions and sparked discussions about the underlying reasons.
The resistance and disagreements among media aides, along with the President’s desire to reshape the media strategy, have contributed to the delay.
However, despite the absence of an official spokesperson, the acting media adviser and personal media aide have been fulfilling communication responsibilities on behalf of the President.
As the administration works towards introducing innovative media approaches, the appointment of an official spokesperson remains a crucial step in establishing a clear and effective communication channel with the public.