By: Comrade Kunle Sodipo, FICSSM, MNINM, ANIPR
_Ogun State, Nigeria based Public Affairs Analyst and Security Strategist_
_7 August, 2026_
kdrexafricanchild@gmail.com
_In public life, a spokesperson is more than a mouthpiece._
They are the bridge between power and people. The translator of policy into language citizens can understand. The first responder when reputation is on fire.
In short: their actions and inaction shape public perception. For good, or for damage.
And in Nigeria today, that bridge is cracking in places.
*The Two Extremes We Are Seeing*
Let’s be fair. Many spokespersons in Nigeria are doing a great job. Calm under pressure, factual, empathetic, and professional. They communicate in crisis, they build goodwill in peace, and they protect both the institution and the public’s right to know.
But then there is the other side — especially among spokespersons for political office holders — and it is drawing the loudest criticism.
What do we see?
1. *Defensive monologues instead of dialogue.* Every issue becomes “fake news” until proven otherwise.
2. *Tone-deaf statements* that inflame rather than calm.
3. *Silence when clarity is needed, and noise when silence is needed.*
4. *Attacks on citizens* asking legitimate questions.
By every professional standard, this is woeful performance. And Nigerians have noticed.
*The Root of the Problem: Title Without Training*
Here’s the uncomfortable truth we must discuss:
Many spokespersons were appointed because they are good journalists. Because they are outspoken. Because they are “loyal” and “can talk.”
But very few were appointed because they are trained Public Relations professionals.
Being a good reporter does not automatically make you a good PR strategist. Being loud does not make you credible. Being close to power does not make you understand stakeholders, risk communication, or reputation management.
We have spokespersons without the basic public relations training. Without professional membership of relevant bodies like the *Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)*. Without grounding in ethics, issue management, or media relations beyond the press release.
The result? When a crisis hits, they react. When policy is rolled out, they argue. When the public is hurting, they lecture.
That is not communication. That is damage control after the damage.
*Why This Matters To All Of Us*
A bad spokesperson doesn’t just embarrass their principal. They cost the government trust. They cost institutions legitimacy. They turn policy wins into PR losses.
In a democracy, perception is reality. And when spokespersons repeatedly get it wrong, citizens begin to believe that government is either hiding something, doesn’t care, or doesn’t understand them.
That’s how trust erodes. That’s how “they” and “us” grows. That’s how misinformation fills the vacuum.
*The Way Forward: Professionalize The Podium*
If we are serious about better governance communication, we must do 3 things:
1. *Competence First:* Appoint spokespersons with PR training, not just media experience. Understand strategy, not just syntax.
2. *Professional Standards:* Encourage and, where possible, require membership and certification with *NIPR*. PR is a regulated profession in Nigeria for a reason.
3. *Mandate and Courage:* Give spokespersons access to facts early, and the courage to tell truth to power internally before speaking truth to the public externally.
The job is not to “defend at all costs.” The job is to build understanding, manage reputation, and serve the public interest — even when it’s uncomfortable.
*Final Thought*
In communications, the mouth is not the message. The message is trust.
Until we treat spokespersonship as a profession and not a reward, we will keep having press statements that create more problems than they solve.
Nigeria deserves communicators who can explain government to the people, and explain the people to government.
Anything less is just noise.
Feedback: kdrexafricanchild@gmail.com
