By Ali Baba-Inuwa
The appointment of Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa as the new Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs by Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State did not come as a surprise to many. His appointment had long been speculated in media circles; indeed, stakeholders see it as long overdue.
Dawakin-Tofa, a distinguished journalist, development communication expert, and public relations professional, joined the administration as Director-General, Media and Publicity to Gov. Yusuf.
A professional with over 19 years of experience in journalism, public relations, and development communication, he held the position with the utmost passion it deserves, before his eventual elevation to Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs.
His coming is expected to usher in reforms in the State’s Information Ministry, which has witnessed some stagnation in the last couple of years.
Unlike his predecessor, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who is largely seen as ‘a non-core professional’, the new Commissioner is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear in activating the ministry’s machinery to perform its traditional role of educating and enlightening the people on government policies and programmes.
Many stakeholders see Waiya more as an ‘outsider’ in the ‘core media circle’ because he lacks knowledge of the state’s media landscape.
They believe the former Commissioner made little impact in the state’s information sector during his tenure.
Expectedly, the appointment of Dawakin-Tofa, who holds multiple academic qualifications in communication and the social sciences, has brought back hope in media circles, with many describing it as a positive step in the right direction.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) described his appointment as well deserved, expressing confidence that Dawakin-Tofa’s professional experience would strengthen the state’s information management and public communication efforts.
The Union, in a congratulatory message signed by the state Council’s Chairman, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, commended Gov. Abba Yusuf for appointing ‘a seasoned media professional’ to head the ministry.
Similarly, the State Chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) described the appointment ‘as a demonstration of considerable commitment to the ideals and professional standards of public relations, contributing to the development of government communication and the advancement of the profession’.
A statement issued by the chapter’s Chairman, Aliyu Yusuf, also lauded Gov. Yusuf ‘for recognising professional experience and institutional contributions in the appointment of Dawakin-Tofa’.
Also, a former State Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture, Comrade Muhammad Garba, lauded Gov. Yusuf for the appointment, saying the decision demonstrated the administration’s commitment to effective communication, public engagement, and information management.
In a congratulatory message, Garba expressed confidence that the new Commissioner would bring his wealth of experience in journalism, public relations, strategic communication, and media management to bear on his new assignment.
He highlighted Dawakin-Tofa’s impressive academic and professional background, including his engagements with international development partners and donor agencies, which he said had equipped him with the requisite skills to manage government communication effectively.
Garba, also a former National President of the NUJ, said his previous exposure as Director-General, Media and Publicity to the Governor had given him a thorough understanding of the administration’s vision, policies, and development priorities.
He said the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs occupies a strategic position in governance and requires leadership capable of promoting transparency, accountability, and constructive engagement with the media and other stakeholders.
Other stakeholders have equally welcomed the appointment of Dawakin-Tofa, commending Gov. Yusuf for the decision.
Expectations
As Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa settles down in his new office as Kano Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, stakeholders expect a change and a paradigm shift from the immediate past in the ministry’s operations.
This is most especially in the area of propagating government policies and programmes, as well as promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
They believe the last two years have not witnessed proactive campaigns aimed at achieving these goals.
The stakeholders pointed out that there was an absence of leadership in the ministry that understands the media landscape in the state.
This, they believe, has resulted in the absence of effective communication, public engagement, and information management in the ministry.
Above all, stakeholders noted the absence of a general welfare programme for media practitioners in the state.
Conclusion
State information stakeholders have long clamoured for the appointment of a professional as Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs. With the appointment of Dawakin-Tofa, who possesses a core background in professional journalism, they will be looking forward to leadership that respects media ethics and elevates the standing of the profession.
It is also expected that the new Commissioner will strive hard to protect and ensure the safety of working journalists in the state, especially with the recent attacks on journalists covering political events at the Sani Abacha Stadium and other events.
The Commissioner must ensure that future cases of assault and attacks on journalists are prevented, and that concrete security and legal actions are taken to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of such attacks.
It is also expected of the new Commissioner to ensure open access and free flow of information to all journalists in the state.
Journalists must be allowed unhindered access to government data, timely policy updates, and clear channels of communication without intimidation or partisan filtering.
There is also a need for capacity building and improved welfare for media practitioners in the state.
Lastly, there is an urgent need for the Commissioner to initiate a collaborative partnership that respects press freedom and the watchdog role of the press, rather than attempts to muzzle independent journalism.
This will no doubt help to check the spread of fake news and unauthenticated reports.
Ali Baba-Inuwa, a former Politics Editor of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), writes from Kano.
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