President Buhari won the historic 2015 presidential election defeating an incumbent in a well-coordinated and funded campaign. Buhari’s message of “Change” was well-accepted by an overwhelming majority of Nigerians which earned him 15 million votes.

Buhari, again, won re-election in 2019 making him the second incumbent to do so since 2003. This victory was against well-funded and prolific opposition propaganda. In the last six years, how has President Buhari’s media team fared? I will set a background here. President Buhari, admittedly, is not an orator by his introverted nature. His deputy, Vice President Osinbajo, is a better handler of public communication. In the end, the Presidency is one. In rating the President’s Media Team, I will use the following metrics: visibility, public engagement, and timeliness.

MINISTER FOR INFORMATION: ALHAJI LAI MUHAMMED

Alhaji Lai Muhammed needs no introduction for those who have been following political developments in the last decade or so. He made himself a household name in the art of party spokesmanship with his brilliant, timely, and needed interventions as APC (previously AC/ACN) image-maker. As an opposition spokesman, no one beats Lai.

His appointment as Minister for Information is a different matter altogether. As Minister, he is barely visible. He is supposed to be the most visible Minister in Buhari’s government, but he appears to be on a long holiday. This appears to be the case with agencies under the Ministry (NOA, NBC etc). His engagement with the media is often below par. But he did an excellent job in tackling CNN over their report on Lekki Toll Gate which led them to backtrack. Apart from this and a few other interventions, Lai is largely absent. He is also not, like many in the Buhari Media Team, on time. Issues are allowed to fester for too long before they react.

SPECIAL ADVISER ON MEDIA AND PUBLICITY:

FEMI ADESINA Many people fondly remember Femi Adesina as a prolific writer, columnist, and Managing Editor at DAILY SUN. His write-ups and call to action are top-notch. His sacrifice working in a hostile environment like DAILY SUN whilst supporting Buhari deserved commendation. Femi is still one of the best writers the country has today. It’s doubtful if anyone can outwrite Femi on his day. It should be no surprise that Femi was the first appointment Buhari made in 2015. His performance in office is another matter altogether. However, what no one can take away from him is his fervor for the nation and unyielding loyalty to the President. After Lai, Femi is supposed to be the most visible in the president’s communication team. Apart from dropping STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASES, writing occasional articles, and few media interviews, his impacts in shaping narratives and deliberately magnifying the president’s achievements have often been left to guesses. More often than not, his interventions do not solve the problems. He doesn’t appear confident whenever he speaks to the media which makes one wonder if he is hiding something. For me, he has the capacity to do more to shield the president from frequent media attacks. In fact, most of the routes to media attacks on the president have been through him and Garba Shehu (I will come to this later).

SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT ON MEDIA: GARBA SHEHU

Like Femi Adesina, Like Garba Shehu. Garba is more of a politician or representing some political interests in the team than actual Buhari’s spokesman. Like Adesina, his engagements are sometimes very insensitive. Garba’s press releases are known to stir more controversies than anyone else in the presidency. In some cases, one wonders if he’s actually writing the president’s thoughts or some political interests. In a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria, Shehu does a good job affirming a particular diatribe, but it’s impossible not to concede that he is very powerful in the Media Team having survived an open confrontation with the wife and children of the President. For all his weakness, reporters in the Presidency say Shehu is very friendly. I think Mr President should call them in for a serious review.

SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT ON MEDIA (OVP): LAOLU AKANDE

An astute reporter with Guardian and former US university lecturer, Laolu Akande has made a name for himself in the profession of journalism. He is said to be the only Nigerian journalist to have interviewed a sitting US president in the White House, according to Wikipedia. Therefore, his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media (OVP) did not come as a surprise to many people. His appointment proved to have paid off largely. Laolu is a clear departure from Garba Shehu and Femi Adesina. In timeliness, Laolu gets it right often. His writings are never nebulous. His engagement with the media is far more mature than his peers He has been able to use his Twitter and other social media handles to engage Nigerians on the activities of the Buhari administration, however, Akande needs to try to fill in the gaps left by his seniors and also mend relations with some sections of the print media some of whom he engaged in media warfare just before the 2019 election. He did sustain some injury in those avoidable encounters when he took on Dele Momodu and Festus Adedayo. He should make more friends.

SPECIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANT: LOUIS ODION

There isn’t much about him other than his time as a flamboyant columnist at The Cable, and editorships in some major newspapers. But there is no significant impact since he was appointed. However being a former information Commissioner and retired editor, much is expected from him perhaps to fill some of the gaps in the President’s Media Team. READ ALSO: Industry chieftains brainstorm on maritime security in GoG

SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS: AJURI NGELALE

Ajuri left his mark for his brilliant presentations at CHANNELS TV. He’s known for his ability to fact-check his guests which means he knows his job then thoroughly. This is why his appointment as SSA was hailed by many. Ajuri at the beginning was about the most engaging presidential spokesman on Radio. His Radio Tours has given many Nigerians insights into the projects and activities of the Buhari administration. But, it appears Ajuri has soft-pedaled or even disillusioned in recent times. Besides, he has had very limited appearance on major TV stations, significantly reducing his impact -few appearances on NTA, and AIT where he once worked. NTA officials say he was almost prevented from the Station at a point because some ministers felt he was often speaking out of turn on matters of policy. But it’s curious no one has seen his appearance at all on Channels TV, his last employer. If need be he could mend fences and be less arrogant.

SPECIAL ASSISTANT ON NEW MEDIA: TOLU OGUNLESI

Many remember Tolu for his brilliant tweets and write-ups during the #OccupyNigeria protests in 2012. His special media activism is top-notch. Therefore, his appointment in 2015 was largely on the basis of competence. In his role, he has done his best projecting the activities of the Buhari administration on Twitter. He has used his Twitter handle to engage Nigerians. He was one of the most active during the 2019 presidential election telling Nigerians the projects of the Buhari administration and countering fake news. Tolu however seems to have gotten a black eye during the EndSars protest and his long silence afterward on Twitter about that time was very curious to many who follow him. Someone like him can be put to better use on the team, he is level-headed and perceived as a professional especially on Social Media.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT ON SOCIAL (NEW) MEDIA: BASHIR AHMED AND LAURETTA ONOCHIE

I have taken these two together because their roles are similar. Both contributed personal resources towards Buhari’s victory in 2019. This, in my estimation, was the basis for their appointments. Bashir’s engagement is largely posting the president’s pictures and announcing visits to the Presidential Villa. Onochie’s case involves engaging in “take-no-prisoner” conversations on social media. For me, both have no significant contributions to the Team

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/05/buharis-public-communication-team-in-the-last-6-years-objective-analysis/

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday briefed President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Villa in Abuja on the state of affairs of the nation during his medical trip overseas.

The President had on March 30 travelled to London, United Kingdom for a medical check up and returned to the country late last week.

The Vice President held  fort while the President was away, representing him at events and presiding over the weekly meetings of the Federal Executive Council.

Osinbajo, amongst, other things while Buhari was away, also charged the new acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, during a decoration event a day after the senior police officer was named.

The Vice-President also visited Ebonyi, and

Owerri, Imo State SAY WHAT HE WENT TO DO THERE

He also visited Jigawa State, BE SPECIFIC

amongst others to ensure the people feel the dividends of democracy particularly the Economic Sustainability Plan which he chairs.

In a tweet by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice-President, Mr Laolu Akande, "Mr. President got a briefing from VP today, having represented him on a number of events & issues in last couple weeks, including presiding over FEC meetings.

"VP had also represented the President at a virtual Africa Regional Commonwealth Leaders Round Table presided over by Prince Charles last Thursday.

"Other highlights of VP’S recent activities included Friday's debriefing on the forthcoming 140 Agric Export Processing centers across the country-from AFDB Officials. The work won't stop, and Nigeria will prevail."

MUSLIM PRESIDENTIAL AIDE TAKES ON “CHRISTIANIZATION” AGENDA ATTACK ON OSINBAJO

Dr Balkisu Saidu: VP’s Office is a mini-Nigeria

Before the permeation of social media, I was one of those who believed in and re-echoed the popular saying that “the only way to win with a toxic person is not to play.” To this end, I found silence to be a very potent tool in dealing with some extremely wicked and deliberate acts of provocation exhibited through concoction and spread of falsehoods and apparently implausible stories.
I have since realised that, in this day and age of fake news and cyber propaganda, it is important that lies and misinformation, no matter the motive of the initiator, are countered and records set straight. Amongst the recipients of the falsehood could be some innocent consumers who will benefit from having true facts presented. Allowing fake news to linger may create the impression that there could be some element of truth in what was propagated.
It is for the foregoing reasons that when the write up credited to one Dr Musbau Akinbode titled “Osinbajo’s Stealth Christianization Agenda”, which has been circulating of recent in the social media, was brought to my attention, I opted to respond. Although no date was ascribed to the write up, it appears to be a rehash of several baseless allegations made in the past against the Vice President, many of whom have been debunked with apologies issued by unsuspecting media houses misled into publishing some of the concocted stories.
The new twist in Dr Akinbode’s write up is the allegation that the Vice President is implementing a “Christianization” agenda and in that wise none of the appointments made by the Vice President from persons of Yoruba extraction were given to Yoruba Muslims. This allegation reminded me of a similar baseless claim made in 2017 by one Dr. Ismaila Farouk, which Akinbode referred to, alleging that the selection of personal staff of the Vice President was skewed in favour of “his Yoruba ethnic group.” Those fuelling the orchestrated and surreptitious narrative immediately backtracked when confronted with facts and a long list of Northerners, from tribes other than Yoruba, working in the office at the time including, among others, Mrs. Maryam Uwais (Special Adviser on Social Investment, from Kano State); Ambassador Abdullahi Gwary (Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs, from Yobe State); my humble self (Senior Special Assistant on Legal, Research and Compliance Matters, from Sokoto State); Mr. Ismaeel Ahmed (Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment, from Kano State); Mr. Bege Bala (Special Assistant, BPE, from Kaduna State); Abdurahman Baffa Yola (Special Assistant on Political Matters); Mrs. Susan Chagwa (Special Assistant on Household and Social Events, from Adamawa State), etc.
Certainly, some of the listed allegations made by Dr Akinbode are objectionably and glaringly malicious and even laughable, unlikely to be believed by any discerning follower of the rise and actions of the Vice President. For example, the Office of the Vice President is like a mini-Nigeria. The level of diversity accomplished in the office reflects all segments of the society – geo-political, ethnic, religious, gender and youth representation.
It is therefore inconceivable for anyone to suggest marginalisation or, as Dr Akinbode puts it, “Christianization” in appointments and religious bigotry. To the specific point of appointment of Yoruba Muslims, Dr Akinbode may wish to know that, even amongst his personal staff, no less than ten Yoruba Muslims were appointed to work for the Vice President including his next in command and the highest-ranking officer in the Vice President’s office, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. AbdurRahman Adeola Ipaye. Other Yoruba Muslims who work, at various times, in the office include Distinguished Senator Babafemi Ojudu (Special Adviser on Political Matters); Dr Mariam Masha (Senior Special Assistant on Internally Displaced Persons); Ms Lanre Shasore (Senior Special Assistant on Planning and Coordination); Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbemi (Special Assistant on Political Matters); Yusuf Ali (Special Assistant on Power); Mr Mohammed Brimah (Special Assistant on Job Creation); Mr Mukhtar Tijani (Special Assistant on Power); Ms. Lolade Abiola; and Mr. Akanni Rahman.
A leader known to suspend meetings to enable Muslim participants perform prayers; known to rescue Muslim orphans and provide them with shelter and educational opportunities that safeguard and promote their religious practices; known to host Breaking of Ramadan Fast (Iftar) with Religious Leaders and Muslim communities from across the country; known to timeously intervene in the resolution of thorny inter-religious issues with potential for escalation can certainly not be said to be promoting any particular religion.
Also, the allegation of “Christianization” in the appointment of some named individuals to various positions in Government is indicative of a complete lack of understanding of how Government appointments are made or a deliberate attempt to distort facts and mislead unsuspecting public. Save for Mr. Kayode Pitan, who was appointed by the Vice President as the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry to take over from Mr. Waheed Olagunju, who was serving in acting capacity, all the other persons named by Dr Akinbode were appointed by the President in the exercise of his constitutional powers.
The calibre of the persons is not in question. In terms of accomplishments, these are pacesetters in their respective industries. For example, Mr. Ben Akabueze, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation served more than two terms as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State and was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAL Bank Plc. (now Sterling Bank Plc.). He has also served as Special Adviser to the President on National Planning.
Mr Alex Okoh, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, an Alumnus of Harvard Business School and former Managing Partner, Ashford & McGuire Consulting Ltd.; is a quintessential Banker and Financial Advisor who as the Managing Director/CEO of NNB International Bank led the transformation of the bank from a comatose state into a leading commercial bank in Nigeria. He has worked with various banks within and outside Nigeria including Nigeria International Bank Limited (Citibank); United Bank for Africa Plc.; Citibank New York; Fidelity Bank London; Swiss Banking Corporation, Zurich; and Grindlays Bank, Zimbabwe. His first tenure recorded tremendous transformation of the Bureau leading to his reappointment by the President.
Before the appointment by Mr. President of Mr Okey Enelamah as the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment in 2015, the Harvard University graduate, Baker Scholar and Loeb Fellow has had a tremendous successful career in investment banking and with Arthur Anderson (now KPMG Professional Services), New York and London offices of Goldman Sachs, Zephyr Management. He also founded and served as CEO of the African Capital Alliance (ACA).
Clearly, even on the appointment of Mr Pitan, the author is not questioning the qualification of Mr Pitan, imaginably considering his robust academic training (including at American Graduate School of International Management, Arizona, USA; London Business School; and Haggai Institute, Singapore) as well as his decades of corporate and banking experience.
These appointments were based purely on merit. The only problem with the appointments, according to the author, was their religion. Save Dr Akinbode is suggesting that persons being considered for appointments into Government positions must denounce their religions, it is unclear why the religious leanings of the appointees should be in issue. Recall that similar allegations were made against appointments of equally deserving and competent Muslims with claims of “Islamisation” being bandied around. Such divisive rhetoric and adverse language are dangerous to Nigeria’s unified harmonious existence and should be resisted and rejected by all.
The Osinbajo I know has been nothing but absolutely and uncompromisingly loyal to his principal, earning him several public and private commendations and additional responsibilities from the President, including the management of the Economic Sustainability Plan, credited with facilitating the “unexpected exit” of Nigeria from one of the worst recession cycles to hit several nations of the world. The man, Osinbajo, seeks no accolades. It is therefore not every action taken by him in support of persons facing challenges that will end up on the pages of newspapers. Just because Dr Akinbode is unaware of these interventions should not be a basis for dehumanising the Vice President.
Additionally, it is evil and reprehensible to drag the person of Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo into whatever malicious campaign the author is mounting against the Vice President. This is a humble and compassionate woman, who has conducted her humanitarian and philanthropic activities in a well-guided and detached manner away from any Government activities. It is unacceptable to have persons of integrity be subjected to such ridiculous acts of scathing and baseless attacks. Clearly, the purpose of this is to cause annoyance, hatred, and ill will against the family of the Vice President. Luckily, Nigerians can see through these malicious, baseless, smear campaigns, mounted by dishonest and shady individuals.
While the main preoccupation of the Vice President is the discharge of the mandate resoundingly given to their ticket under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, may I remind Dr Akinbode that power is not in the hands of any individual to give or take, but in the hands of Almighty Allah; and He bestows it upon whom He wills. Please refer to the Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3 (Surah Al-Imran), Verse 26.
I sure hope and pray that a time will come when Dr Akinbode and his likes will realise that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is as authentic as he presents – he is a humane, compassionate, detribalised patriotic Nigerian, who is committed to the service of Nigeria and Nigerians in a fair, honest, transparent and accountable manner. And, while we spare time to respond to these and similar unfounded allegations, the Vice President never allows mischief-makers and peddlers of fake news to distract him from his main preoccupation: service to Nigeria.


Balkisu Saidu is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal, Research and Compliance Matters, Office of the Vice President. She writes from Abuja.

Reno Omokri, a former social media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, needs no introduction in the socio-political space in Nigeria, especially on social media where he misinforms his over 900,000 Twitter followers, over 120,000 Facebook followers and his over 500,000 Instagram followers.

The self acclaimed-pastor and member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, is the leading errand boy of all opposition politicians on social media, as he attacks the All Progressives Congress government of the day simply because of one sin: ejecting the Jonathan government out of office in a keenly contested and won poll in 2015.

Omokri, who has been severely identified as a paid social media troll, has, over time been synonymous with the spread of Fake News against the President Muhammadu Buhari government.

Reno's paying-job after office is not known till date except being a troll, yet he flies across continents painting the name of Nigeria and the country in bad light.

It has been revealed how Omokri was hired by opposition politicians to trend the #FreeLeahSharibu hashtag from 2018 till date.

Leah Sharibu was one of the 110 female students of the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, who were abducted on February 19, 2018, by Boko Haram terrorists.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, last December, corroborated this in a piece titled, ‘Enemies Of The Country Will Lose Las Las’.

That was immediately after bandits released over 300 abducted schoolboys from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina.

Adesina wrote, “In 2014, there had been #Bring Back Our Girls, which contributed to dealing the government of the day mortal blows, and it was voted out a year later. So, the enemies thought they had a sucker punch at their disposal.

“They came up with #Bring Back Our Boys, and had reportedly printed ten million T-Shirts, which they wanted to use in prosecuting their self-serving crusade. Were they interested in the welfare of the Kankara boys, nor in the travails of their parents? Not at all. They were only actuated by vengeance, and the political capital they could get out of it. Their logic (or is it illogic) was clear. If #Bring Back Our Girls brought down a People’s Democratic Party government, then #Bring Back our Boys must also undo the APC government.”

In 2018, Omokri, a self acclaimed "best seller" author wrote a book about Sharibu, who had, by the virtue of her conviction, became a prisoner of her conscience. According to Omokri, the proceeds from the sales of this book would be donated the family of Leah. This happens to be a lie from the pit of hell. Ever since the book gained prominence, Reno Omokri has never for once come out clean on how the proceeds from the sales have been paid to Leah's Family. In fact, sometimes in 2018, a financial analyst, Henry Claudius, and several other Nigerians have accused Reno Omokri of Syphoning the fund.

Omokri, is a social media influencer, who can tweet against his mother and father once he is being paid. Little wonder is latest campaign against President Buhari over his London trip for medical checkup.

For over a week now since he staged a scanty, no-existent protest in London, he has been sharing the #HarassBuhariOutOfLondon hash tag to misinform his gullible follows who take his RenoNuggets hook, line and sinker.

Last week, some Nigerian social media influencers including a liar-in-chief like Omokri, Japheth Omojuwa, were exposed for their roles in the social media campaign for the release of alleged fraudster, Alex Saab, a Colombian who has been declared wanted in the United States and is facing extradition charges in Cape Verde.

Some of the influencers had their accounts suspended by Twitter for using their platforms to promote an ignoble cause.

Only time will tell when Omokri will also be exposed for being a merchant of fake news and an agent of misinformation. The truth cannot hide forever, it will happen one day.

What VP said vs What was reported

First.. At what point did we miss it? We don dey miss am no doubt but be like say Nigeria don finally miss road completely , the kind of people who believes they can rule us makes me ask of this people really see us as mugu or blind and deaf.. shuu! Na wa o



Are you ready… tuuu le … 





10. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba

Honourable minister for state for education


 - As one of the oldest south east politicians who have been longest with the President, he is quietly desperately working on becoming president of Nigeria in 2023, while working surreptitiously to undermine the more formidable candidates. He is so happy with the fight between Okorocha and Gov Hope in Imo currently




9. Yahaya Bello 

Governor of Kogi State


- Gov Yaya despite his slimmest chance is spending like money is going out of fashion because he is desperate to cover many of his dark tracks as a sitting Governor. He recently in Abuja begged Obasanjo to support him, another evidence of his desperation. 



8. Dave Umahi 

Governor of ebony State 


 - Caretaker committee members of the ruling party wants to use him as a pawn for 2023 but because of his raw ambition he desperately believes they mean well to back him for the top job. He is so desperate he has forgotten he came from one of the tiniest state in the south west and a State many in Igboland considers as least influential.




7. Tunde Bakare

General Overseer 

Latarain Church


 -Even though he's a man of God, he lies so easily so much that he is not even ashamed of all his previous prophesies given about Presidents, none has come to pass, yet pastor baker now says he is no 16, having been rejected to be Buhari's running mate in 2019 which was what this Pastor and the late Chief of Staff Kyari plotted, he is determined to do all he can to be come president by all means.



6 Abubakar Bangudu

Governor of Kebbi State


- He has a pending international criminal case and needs the immunity after he leaves office as governor




5. Kayode Fayemi-. 

Governor of Ekiti State


From nowhere Gov Fayemi was brought to limelight by Tinubu but has suddenly become tinubu's main arch rival. He is so desperate that he believes lies by some Northerners who only want to use him to break the solidarity in the south west behind Tinubu. In his desperation he befriended Femi fani kayoed (FFK) who has used dirty, indecent and harsh words against Tinubu 



4 Ibikunle Amosun

Former Gov /Senator Ogun State


 - Developed intense hatred for Tinubu thinking he can do better than him. And because he is a good friend to Mr President, he is desperate to use that to become president of Nigeria in  2023. He has boasted many times that Buhari cannot tell him No if he made any requests and has paid all the aides close to the President including photographers! Ridiculous




*3.Nasir Ahmed Elrufai -
Governor of Kaduna state*

 No one can deny that he is very efficient but is a loose canon who is desperate for the endorsement of the current President. He had actually hoped to be chief of staff for the second term in preparation for running in 2023 and for which reason he picked a fellow Muslim as a running mate. But the late Chief of Staff outplayed him to keep the position then.


2. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Former Gov of Lagos State

- He has installed kings, governors ,ministers, and president OF NIGERIA, the only thing left on his political and life bucket list is to become the president of Nigeria, as powerful as he is ,he is still being referred to as former gov of Lagos state , a titled that has outlived his prominence and affluence , he believes he will do what Abiola couldn’t do, holding down Lagos and as amashed a tremendous starch of funds and network enough to make anything work in the political sector In Nigeria. He is feared and respected, and if he wants something he is known to get it, he has even gone as far as selling his personal properties to fund politics


 1 *Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President of Nigeria
*
 - After loosing the presidential campaign to Buhari in 2015 , with all the billions spent and lost, he is ready to spend an unbelievable amount of dollars to buy the party , pay for international interest and corrupt the electoral commission, this time , he is going all out

  Suscribe to this channel if you really mean to know the koko of the matter as e day go for this politician's circle… we no go talk wetting no confirm. Tuulle.