In a recent turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) government has found itself entangled in a web of misinformation and disinformation. The twists and turns of these media attacks have revealed a concerning pattern that has left many wondering about the competence and effectiveness of government agencies and their media teams.
Just today, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, vehemently denied allegations made in a purported document that he had sent letters to the ICPC and EFCC inviting them to investigate his predecessor, Mallam Musa Bello, for financial crimes. Similarly, only a week ago, the Minister of Culture, Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, had to release a press statement refuting another false press release attributed to her.
It is becoming an all too familiar sight to witness one or two members of the cabinet issuing press statements to deny various claims that have been wrongly attributed to them. Unfortunately, by the time these denials are released, the damage has already been done, and the false narrative has permeated the public consciousness, making it difficult to reverse the impact.
One cannot help but question the effectiveness of government agencies and agents in tackling such issues promptly. In this age of rampant disinformation and misinformation, one would expect swift action to counter false narratives before they solidify as facts in the minds of the public. However, this seems to be a grave challenge for the APC government.
Upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that the root cause lies in the government officials isolating themselves from their primary circles. Once they assume office, they cut off communication by either changing their mobile numbers or keeping them out of reach. They appoint social media handlers to manage their former accounts, create new ones, and distance themselves from their old comrades who supported them during the electioneering process. Instead, they seek the company of the high and mighty, constructing fortresses that shield them from reality.
These social media handlers, unfortunately, contribute to the isolation by ensuring that only favorable narratives reach their bosses. This creates a situation where these officials become detached from mainstream issues and remain oblivious to ongoing developments until matters escalate to a critical point.
Another significant hurdle faced by the APC media team, especially in relation to social media, is the alienation of those who were well-versed in engaging opponents and staying informed about social circles. These individuals find themselves disconnected from the corridors of power, rendering their efforts to verify viral news futile. The government officials, who once relied on their expertise, now dismiss their attempts to protect them and regard them as threats due to their potential and capabilities.
A personal account shared by Mohammed Bello Doka, the founder and national coordinator of Tinubu Media Team, exemplifies this disconnection. As a party member, Doka stumbled upon a news item that, while deemed unfit for the party's image, required verification as per the ethical standards of journalism. He had doubts about its authenticity and decided to verify before publishing. However, his attempts to reach out to the relevant government officials were met with frustration. Many of those he previously worked with had been replaced by new staff members who were virtually inaccessible. Before he could confirm the news's accuracy, another media outlet published it, causing it to go viral. To add insult to injury, the same officials he had tried to contact sent him a denial, expecting him to publish it. Frustrated, he exclaimed, "Who did this to us?"
If, by any unfortunate circumstance, the APC government falls victim to a deadly fake news attack, it would have succumbed to its own creation. It is high time for the government to address these issues, reestablish communication channels, and enhance the efficiency of its media team to counter the onslaught of misinformation that threatens to tarnish its image and hinder progress.
The article is based on a personal account shared by Mohammed Bello Doka, founder and national coordinator of Tinubu Media Team who is also the National Coordinator Tinubu Media Team.
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