Presidents of nations by the nature of their jobs are busy and overloaded therefore cannot be everywhere at every issue. That is why they have ministers, advisers and handlers that help them to bring their visions, dreams to fruition and reality. President Goodluck Jonathan without exception needs sophisticated men and women especially at Aso Rock that can play vital and concerted roles in managing crisis and formulating strategic blueprints; a powerful public relation team that can avert any unseen circumstance including unexpected crisis, thereby keep the affairs of the presidency floating.
Chinua Achebe’s Award debacle: A learning experience and teachable moment
Even when the federal government did not do its homework and things went the way it did and Professor Chinua Achebe rejected the national award. The handlers of public relation and communication in Aso Rock would have geared into more sophisticated mode of repairing damage and damage control not sending out brainy Dr. Ruben Abati to sound defensive. The more effective defense to the debacle is to go into more humble communication and acknowledged that Chinua Achebe is right on his assertion but the new assertive government of President Goodluck Jonathan is on top of it. More to it the handlers should have communicate more effective how passionate the current administration is on solving the gigantic problems of the country by giving example with the most viable and free election that was conducted by the administration. The handlers must emphasis that the election was accepted by both local and international observers as the freest election ever conducted in the country.
The global community particularly the trading partners, diplomats and investors must be reassured by the government that Nigeria is safe for investment by constantly communicating to them through media and other outlets . The economic growth of the country can be hampered when investors are shaded from the progress made by the government and they might recall back capital and investments. Therefore the government spokesperson will constantly if not daily engaged in the business of confidence-building and assurance.
Emeka Chiakwelu is the Principal Policy Strategist at Afripol Organization. Africa Political and
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