MANAGING THE IMAGE OF MR PRESIDENT & HIS GOVERNMENT  By Olaseni O Egbeyemi 

It has become increasingly evident that a significant disconnect exists between the masses of this country and President Tinubu’s administration. This disconnect is not just about governance but stems from a broader issue: the perception of his government’s policies and intentions.

CAVEAT: I am neither a member of the APC nor an initial supporter of President Tinubu.

It has become increasingly evident that a significant disconnect exists between the masses of this country and President Tinubu’s administration. This disconnect is not just about governance but stems from a broader issue: the perception of his government’s policies and intentions.

For many Nigerians, the face of Tinubu’s presidency is synonymous with pain and hardship. Since the declaration of “Subsidy is gone” and the subsequent policies that have deepened the economic strain, the public’s faith in the government has eroded. The disconnect is such that no matter the government’s intentions, the narrative from the streets is one of skepticism and mistrust.

From the outset of his administration, President Tinubu faced an uphill task in winning over the populace. The removal of fuel subsidies, though arguably necessary, introduced immediate financial hardship that many Nigerians were unprepared for. The sudden increase in the cost of living, coupled with inflationary pressures, has left citizens feeling more abandoned than supported by their government. The persistent rhetoric of “good intentions” from the presidency is falling on deaf ears, as tangible relief remains elusive.

Nigerians, at this point, do not trust the government’s words. Promises of future benefits, potential economic rebounds, and eventual prosperity are dismissed as empty rhetoric. The people are weary of hearing about the light at the end of the tunnel when they are mired in present-day darkness.

In response to the growing discontent, various forms of palliatives have been introduced. While well intentioned, these efforts are rapidly revealing a lack of preparedness and foresight. Instead of addressing systemic issues, they are reducing Nigerians to a state of dependency and waiting for handouts that do little to solve the root causes of their struggles.

Governors, legislators, and politicians have seized on this opportunity, distributing food and relief materials to the public in scenes that are as disheartening as they are symbolic. Once proud and resilient, Nigerians are being cast in the role of beggars, lining up for bags of rice and tins of oil, a stark image of a nation grappling with poverty.

It was even alleged that the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has entered the fray, distributing rice with his name prominently displayed on the bags. This move, while perhaps meant to show solidarity, only further highlights the tone deafness of those in power. In what capacity does the President’s son become a distributor of charity? It is actions like these that contribute to the erosion of public trust. The optics are not only poor, but they also send the wrong message—that leadership is disconnected from the real challenges Nigerians face.

Those responsible for managing the image of President Tinubu and his administration are falling short. The issue goes beyond just external perception; there is a need to manage the internal image of the President and his household. The actions of family members, as well as those close to the presidency, need to be carefully guided and managed to prevent missteps that could further damage the President’s credibility.

Take, for example, the moment when Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the President’s daughter, addressed Nigerians as “the First Child” with the national flag in the background. While it may have been a heartfelt gesture, it was both unnecessary and ill-advised. Such actions do not inspire confidence and only serve to trivialize the gravity of national leadership.

Additionally, spokespersons like Mr. Bayo Ononuga have taken to defending the President’s actions by comparing them to past administrations. This is not only unhelpful but counterproductive.

Nigerians are not looking for their hardships to be justified by past mistakes; they want solutions that reflect the unique circumstances of today.

The art of managing a president’s image goes beyond mere journalism. Just because one has a background in reporting does not mean they are equipped to handle public relations on a national level. Being a good journalist does not necessarily make one a good image manager.

President Tinubu needs to surround himself with seasoned public relations professionals experts in shaping public opinion, communicating effectively, and navigating crises. These individuals should be adept at crafting a narrative that aligns with the President’s vision while addressing the concerns of the people in a tangible way.

Nigerians are being asked to wait, to be patient, to hold out for the brighter days that the President speaks of in his Independence Day address. But patience is wearing thin.

People are struggling to see beyond the hardships of today, and the promised “light at the end of the tunnel” feels increasingly distant.

I believe there are good intentions behind the policies and programmes being rolled out by the Tinubu administration. However, without a coherent and empathetic communication strategy, coupled with real, visible change, the President risks losing the trust of the people before his efforts can bear fruit.

The question remains: Can the President’s team bridge the gap before it’s too late

 

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