Economy
Reactions: Tinubu Administration — Many Spokespersons, Zero Communication
Reactions: Tinubu Administration — Many Spokespersons, Zero Communication
Reactions: Tinubu administration — many spokespersons, zero communication.
BY VICTOR OKEBUNMI
“He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool – shun him.” – Arabian Proverb.
There are times when commentaries masquerade as journalism and, in so doing, reveal more about the writer’s blind spots than the subject under scrutiny.
Temidayo Akinsuyi’s recent article questioning the communication strategy of the Tinubu presidency falls squarely into this category.
His claim that the Government operates with “zero communication” is not just inaccurate; it is demonstrably false and unfairly dismissive, suggesting a shallow understanding of how modern governance engages its citizens.
To allege a vacuum in presidential communication while ignoring the daily, coordinated, and well-articulated efforts of key figures within the Tinubu media architecture is to walk into a symphony midway and dismiss it as noise. The reality is this: The Tinubu administration runs one of the most structured, decentralised, and multidimensional communications networks Nigeria has seen in the Fourth Republic.
Let’s begin with the professionals Akinsuyi chose to undermine by implication. Chief Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, is a pillar of Nigeria’s democratic media landscape. A respected veteran, he operates more as a strategist than a spokesman.
He is the steady hand behind the curtain – refining messages, maintaining coherence, and providing intellectual rigour to presidential narratives. His value is not in the frequency of public appearances but in the strategic alignment, he brings to government messaging.
Dr Sunday Dare, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication / Spokesman, is a strategic communicator. Apart from over 3 decades of media experience, he brings charisma and clarity to the public square.
His data-driven engagements on national television, policy explainers, and press briefings have helped distil complex government decisions into digestible, actionable insights. His diverse media Background, especially in Hausa Radio Broadcasting, having headed the Hausa Service of the Voice of America for almost a decade, is a significant asset being put to use.
He is also cut from the democratic struggle as General Editor of The News and Tempo magazines during the dark days of the military. His recent international engagements have also positioned Nigeria as a nation ready for investment, reform, and renewed leadership on the world stage.
Akinsuyi’s fixation on the idea that multiple voices signify chaos betrays a dated understanding of statecraft. We no longer live in the age of the town crier.
Communication must be decentralised, diverse, and digitally agile in a nation of over 200 million people across 36 states and the Diaspora. From Abdul Aziz Abdul Aziz to Tunde Rahman, Stanley Nkwocha, Tope Ajayi, Fredrick Nwabufo, Demola Oshodi, Daniel Bwala and O’tega Ogra, the Tinubu presidency has assembled a formidable team of seasoned communicators who work across platforms and communities to drive a singular message of national renewal.
Take, for instance, the opinion pieces written on major government policies, decisions and initiatives by Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare, Tunde Rahman, Tope Ajayi, Abdul Aziz Abdul Aziz, Fredrick, Segun Dada, Daniel Bwala, Tope Fasua and others. In the last 4 months, over 30 such articles have been published in the media, helping to deepen people’s understanding of TINUBU’S policies.
We have seen them engaging and explaining on multiple television platforms, especially Sunday Dare, Bayo Onanuga and Tope Fasua. Indeed, the Tinubu presidency has assembled a formidable team of seasoned communicators who work across platforms and communities to drive a singular message of national renewal.
The suggestion that these individuals are working at cross-purposes does not hold water. What Akinsuyi misreads as “disarray” is, in fact, a deliberate strategy of layered engagement. Each voice has a purpose: some clarify, some explain, some connect emotionally, and others rally politically. But they all sing from the same hymnal: the hymn of Renewed Hope.
One particularly impactful addition to the administration’s communication strategy is the Renewed Hope Global Virtual Town Hall Conference, which has been held weekly since the inception of the Tinubu administration and broadcast live across multiple platforms.
These sessions have proven to be a vital bridge between policymakers and citizens at home and abroad, offering unfiltered access, real-time dialogue, and direct explanations from Media advisers, ministers, heads of Government agencies, and government officials on ongoing reforms. It is participatory governance in action and reflects a leadership style that values transparency, digital inclusion, and constant feedback.
In the last nine months alone, the presidential communications team has executed one of the most expansive public engagement campaigns in our democratic history.
There has been constant information, from daily television and radio appearances to opinion essays, presidential addresses, infographic explainers, and town hall-style digital broadcasts.
The team has been involved in several interviews and policy briefings alongside colleagues across MDAs and the presidency, dissecting reforms and updating citizens.
Beyond the elite PBAT media circuit led by amiable Olusegun Dada, there is Community Radio 185, a bold initiative that provides daily updates on government policy in native languages – English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, Tiv, Kanuri and more.
This is a game-changing project that ensures inclusivity and accessibility, reaching the grassroots with the very same dignity afforded to the urban elite.
Online, the team’s digital assets are live and leading the charge in combating fake news, misinformation, and propaganda. The presidency’s WhatsApp Channel, social media handles, livestream events, and short-form videos target Gen Z and millennials with clarity and precision.
Today’s presidential message is not confined to a single press release – it is spread across memes, graphics, podcasts, and multilingual tweet threads. The Government’s media engagements have become more robust and dynamic, with the Presidential Media Team always ready to provide information and explanations.
It is also necessary to reiterate that good communication cannot save bad policy, but clear communication can explain bold policy, which is precisely what this administration has had to do amid tough reforms.
Subsidy removal, forex unification, student loans, agricultural interventions, tax policy reforms – each initiative has come with coordinated messaging across multiple levels, involving ministers, media aides, and institutional heads.
In denigrating the efforts of the members of the President’s communication team, Akinsuyi misses a more interesting story: this is the first administration in years to decentralise media engagement with this level of sophistication. What he calls “noise” is, in fact, a signal – each element reaching a different demographic, platform, and audience.
Tinubu
The analogue one-size-fits-all model of communication is gone. Nigeria deserves better, and she is getting it. Akinsuyi is probably deaf to all of this. He has embarked on a journey that is already ill-fated.
Criticism is essential in any democracy but must be rooted in truth, not nostalgia. Akinsuyi’s piece reads less like analysis and more like frustration at a structure he neither understands nor respects. It is easy to sneer at what one does not comprehend, but true observers should ask harder questions, not just louder ones.
The Tinubu presidency remains committed to dialogue, feedback, and clarity. They may not always speak in one voice, but they always speak in one direction: toward progress, inclusion, and shared prosperity.
The symphony continues with tempo, harmony, and purpose.
Okebunmi is the senior special assistant to the director of publicity at Renewed Hope United Kingdom.
EFCC Arraigns Former SKye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni For N15.6b Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 4, 2026, arraigned a former Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni before Justice Jude Onwuzuruike of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.
Ayeni was arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and conversion of investors’ funds to the tune N15,665,085,429 (Fifteen Billion, Six hundred and Sixty five Million, Eighty five thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-nine Naira (N15,665,085,429).
Prosecution counsel E.E. Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and prosecution ready for trial.
“We have before the court 17-count charge dated April 28, 2026, we humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant”, he said.
Eereporter.com
Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc between 21st of October, 2014 and 19th November, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the aggregate sum of Three billion, Two hundred and One million, Five Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty Nine Naira, Forty two kobo(N3,201,535,429.42) by transferring same to Misa Limited’s account No: 1011295717 and 1011295718 domiciled with Zenith Bank in Violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other regulations and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.
Count five of the charge reads: “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Defunct Skye Bank Plc on or about 27th November, 2014, at Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five Billion, Seventy Eight million, Five hundred and Fifty thousand Naira(N5, 078,550,000) by transferring same to Union Registrar Limited’s Account No: 0003490559 domiciled with Union Bank in violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other Regulations and thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and Punishable under Section 312 of same Act.”
Fraud
Ayeni pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
In view of his “not guilty” plea, Iheanacho prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji Bashir, SAN, informed the court that the charge was given to the defendant on a public holiday adding that he considered it imperative to inform the court. He also prayed the court to release the defendant to him or return him to the custody of the EFCC.
Justice Onwuzuruike adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, while the defendant was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of bail application.
Economy
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and other stakeholders to address the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation, stressing that collective action is essential to protect public trust and national stability. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation,” said the Minister.
He described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, noting that the Federal Government remains fully committed to its protection. “The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he stated.
Idris noted that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken deliberate steps to strengthen transparency and access to information through sustained media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.
Eereporter.com
He further pointed to Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as a key step towards building a more informed and discerning public. “This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media and information literacy, empowering citizens to engage with information critically, and promoting responsible communication in the digital age.”
The Minister urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards in their work, stressing that press freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility. “The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions, how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration across institutions.
“This gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering a more informed and inclusive society. It provides an opportunity for constructive engagement on how best to advance a media environment that is both free and responsible,” she said.
World Press Freedom Day
Ukaire emphasised the need for coordinated responses to the challenges posed by the evolving information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation. “The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted.
She added that the Ministry remains committed to facilitating dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and promoting professionalism within the media space.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with the media, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information system that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, represented by FPRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, mni, mnipr; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, represented by Director of Protocol M. O. Chukwuka, fsi; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dilli Ezughah; Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, represented by the Head of Communication and Information Sector, Ms Yachat Nuhu.
Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Monday, May 4, 2026
NNPC, Chinese Firms Sign MoU Towards Restart, Expansion Of Warri, Port Harcourt Refineries
The NNPC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, for collaboration through a potential Technical Equity Partnership in support of the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries.
The MoU was signed by the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari; Chairman, Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong and Chairman of Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi, in Jiaxing City, China, on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Eereporter.com
The potential framework would cover completion of outstanding work at the two refineries, together with operating and maintaining both facilities to achieve best-in-class, sustainable performance. Planned expansion and upgrades would elevate both facilities to cleaner, more profitable product standards.
The potential collaboration also contemplates expanding the refineries’ petrochemical capacities and harnessing gas and downstream opportunities through the development of co-located, gas-based industrial hubs.
Speaking shortly after signing the dotted lines, the GCEO NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the MoU execution as a significant milestone, following more than six months of concerted engagement between the technical and management teams of NNPC and the two Chinese partners.
“All parties recognise mutually beneficial opportunities for the development and long-term sustainable profitability of NNPC’s refining assets in Nigeria, and the collective weight required for success,” Ojulari noted.
NNPC
The GCEO further stated that the MoU is a significant step on the journey towards identifying potential technical equity partner(s) to restart and expand NNPC’s refineries, and to explore opportunities in co-located petrochemicals and gas-based industries.
The MoU reflects the parties’ shared intent to progress discussions in good faith, with any definitive arrangements to follow in due course and subject to customary approvals.
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