By Hon. Salisu “Mai-Ungwua” Suleiman
Only a handful of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointees have taken it upon themselves to consistently explain and defend the work of the administration. Yet, the record is there for anyone willing to engage it objectively. The government has undoubtedly faced significant challenges—many of them inherited and too deeply rooted to disappear overnight. But it is equally true that the administration has recorded notable milestones across critical sectors.
From bold monetary and fiscal policy reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, to interventions in education, healthcare, infrastructure, defence and national security, the government has embarked on initiatives that are unprecedented in both scope and ambition. Whether one agrees with every policy or not, there is ample material for government officials to present, explain and defend before the Nigerian public.
This reality was underscored recently during a television programme featuring an APC chieftain from Kano State. Over the course of the interview, he patiently explained the rationale behind several government policies and highlighted achievements across different sectors. He addressed misconceptions, defended the administration with facts, and provided much-needed context to issues that are often reduced to political soundbites.
At the end of the programme, the interviewer commended his performance but raised a telling question: Why are more ministers, presidential appointees and leaders of the ruling party not doing the same?
It is a fair question.
Those entrusted with implementing the President’s agenda also have a responsibility to communicate it. They must defend their work, articulate the administration’s vision and ensure that citizens understand not only what government is doing, but why it is doing it. Public perception cannot be left entirely to political opponents or commentators who may have little interest in presenting a balanced account.
Politics, after all, is as much about communication as it is about governance. Governments that fail to tell their own story often leave others to tell it for them.
Against this backdrop, it is commendable that the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has chosen to actively champion the Tinubu Again campaign. Matawalle has never concealed his admiration for, confidence in, and loyalty to President Tinubu. At a time when many political appointees appear reluctant to publicly canvass support for the administration that they serve, his willingness to take on that responsibility stands out.
The political season has begun. While governance must continue uninterrupted, every incumbent administration has a legitimate responsibility to present its record before the electorate and make its case for another mandate. Elections are won not only on performance but also on the ability to communicate that performance effectively.
There is a timeless principle in public relations: good work that is never communicated is, in many respects, work that never happened. Achievements do not speak for themselves; people speak for achievements.
The Tinubu Again campaign provides Dr. Matawalle with a platform to consistently showcase the administration’s accomplishments and remind Nigerians of the reforms and policies that have defined President Tinubu’s tenure. That is how political communication is meant to function. Those who believe in a leader and have worked to implement his vision should not hesitate to defend the record and make the case for its continuity.
In the end, the achievements of an administration belong not only to the President, but also to those who have been privileged to serve alongside him. Owning that record and presenting it confidently to the public is not merely good politics; it is part of the responsibility that comes with public office.
– Hon. Salisu “Mai-Ungwua” Suleiman writes from Nassarawa State
