Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan recently announced on his official Facebook page that he facilitated the recruitment of two of his constituents into the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). The post identified the young men by name, acknowledged a serving DIA officer who guided them through the process, and included photographs of the visit.

Let me be clear about what this post is not about. It is not about whether facilitating appointments for constituents is right or wrong. That is a governance debate for another day. My concern is strictly the communication decision and what it reveals when examined through the lens of public relations and strategic communication.

The intention behind the post was likely to demonstrate responsive representation and reassure constituents that their elected representative is creating opportunities for them. Those are legitimate political communication objectives. However, strategic communication is not only about intention. It is also about weighing audience, context, stakeholder interests, and potential consequences before communicating publicly.

From that perspective, the post raises three important concerns.

First is operational security. The Defence Intelligence Agency is one of Nigeria’s most sensitive security institutions for good reason. Publicly associating the names and faces of new recruits, alongside a serving DIA officer, may create unnecessary visibility for individuals whose future responsibilities could require discretion. Whether or not immediate harm results, the disclosure introduces avoidable security considerations that deserve careful reflection. In strategic communication, the question is not simply whether information can be shared, but whether it should be.

Second is stakeholder exposure. Strategic communication requires practitioners to consider the ripple effects of every message across multiple stakeholders. In this instance, the post potentially creates reputational and security considerations for the former Senate President, the Senate as an institution, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the serving officer, and the two young men. Effective communication is not measured solely by visibility; it is measured by whether the value created justifies the risks introduced. In this case, the visibility gained appears disproportionate to the strategic value it delivered.

Third is message discipline. One of the enduring principles of strategic communication is balancing transparency with legitimate confidentiality. This is particularly important where national security institutions are concerned. The popular saying that “there is no such thing as bad publicity” has clear limits in contexts involving intelligence and security. Communication professionals are expected to assess not only what a message communicates, but also what it unintentionally reveals. That is why even private citizens often exercise discretion when discussing relatives or friends serving in sensitive security roles.

So, what might have been a more strategically sound approach? In my assessment, a private acknowledgment would have achieved the political objective without creating unnecessary public exposure. The beneficiaries could have become part of the record of constituents assisted, allowing the goodwill to circulate naturally within the community without drawing wider attention online. Sometimes, in strategic communication, restraint is the most effective message.

The broader lesson for public figures and their communication teams is simple. Every communication decision should undergo a basic risk assessment before publication. Beyond asking, “What does this post say about me?” communicators should also ask, “What does this post do to everyone else connected to it?” That shift in perspective is often the difference between communication that merely attracts attention and communication that serves the long-term interests of all stakeholders.

About the Author

Auwal Sani, ANIPR is a Public Relations and Strategic Communication scholar and practitioner. He is a Lecturer in the Department of Development and Strategic Communication, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Abuja, and serves as the Head of Programmes at the Impact Storytelling for Development Initiative (ISDI). His research and professional interests span strategic communication, public relations, development communication, crisis and risk communication, humanitarian communication, and the application of artificial intelligence in communication practice.

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and are intended to contribute to professional discourse on strategic communication. They do not represent the official position of any institution with which the author is affiliated.

By Shariff Aminu Ahlan

It is outrageous, disturbing, unimaginable, undeserved, and simply difficult to comprehend how such a high-profile and well-attended event, organized to celebrate media excellence and promote discussions on strengthening media platforms that advance the Northern agenda, could deliberately exclude the Commissioner for Information of the host state, a man widely acknowledged as one of the most competent and outstanding Information Commissioners in Northern Nigeria.

The wave of criticism that followed the event was massive and centered on several noticeable shortcomings, including poor coordination, misplaced priorities, organizational lapses, and a lack of professionalism. However, the most ironic aspect of the entire event was the deliberate exclusion of the State Commissioner for Information.

As the summit was organized under the leadership of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, the apparent lapses and alleged collaboration with disgruntled elements pursuing hidden agendas ultimately diminished what should have been a historic gathering. Despite the presence of governor, commissioners of information from various states, media practitioners, academics, and other distinguished personalities, the event failed to make the impact many had anticipated.

To be fair, the organizers made considerable efforts to ensure the summit achieved its objectives. The discussions focused on Northern Nigeria and explored practical ways through which the media could contribute to the region’s development by promoting constructive narratives, intellectual engagement, and effective information dissemination.

Unfortunately, avoidable organizational shortcomings prevented the event from fully meeting expectations. More importantly, the exclusion of the host state’s Commissioner for Information became one of the most talked-about controversies surrounding the summit.

Had the organizers involved the Commissioner from the planning stage, his vast experience, administrative competence, and institutional knowledge could have significantly improved the coordination of the event. His contributions might have transformed the summit into a model gathering and eliminated many of the shortcomings that attracted widespread criticism.

Ironically, those blaming the Commissioner for his absence are not being fair. Such accusations only strengthen the belief that certain individuals are pursuing a carefully orchestrated agenda aimed at discrediting him. According to available information, the Commissioner was not invited to an event held within his own official domain. In keeping with professional ethics and protocol, he chose not to attend an event from which he had been deliberately excluded. The consequences of that decision. and of the organizers’ actions, were evident for everyone to see.

As for those working tirelessly to push the Commissioner into political irrelevance, they should understand that their alleged campaign has become increasingly obvious. More importantly, the Governor has continued to demonstrate confidence in him. Beyond that, the Commissioner has continued to receive recognition and commendation for his dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him.

History has repeatedly shown that competence, professionalism, and integrity ultimately outlast conspiracy, manipulation, and political scheming.

Shariff Aminu Ahlan
APC Intellectual Warrior
Realahlan0101@gmail.com

By Abba Anwar

Only advanced minds and globally exposed political leaders can think of the necessity and relevance of E-Health regulatory framework in the nation’s healthcare system.

The National E-Health Bill, 2026, presented to the Senate plenary session some weeks back, by His Excellency the Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, CFR, PhD, is a clear testimony that, this Distinguished Senator knows the right button to press when it comes to compliance with the global practice in the healthcare sector.

As the Bill passed second reading three days ago, it has become clearer that our National Assembly houses refined legislators, who behave as and are global citizens. Who understand what is obtained elsewhere across the globe in many sectors, including health.

On his Facebook page DSP disclosed that, “During today’s plenary of the Senate, my Bill, the National E-Health Bill, 2026, scaled second reading in our bid to establish a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the development, regulation, coordination and integration of electronic health services in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He was supported unanimously by his Distinguished colleagues, during the plenary. After which it has been referred to the Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) for the remaining legislative process. Two weeks was given for the Committee to report back to the plenary.

To tell you that DSP is soundly familiar with the digital terrain in the healthcare sector, with deep interest and unwavering care for all Nigerians, he argued on the floor of the Senate, that, “… the healthcare sector globally is undergoing an unprecedented digital transformation. Across developed and emerging economies, digital technologies have become indispensable tools for improving healthcare delivery, expanding access to medical services, reducing costs and enhancing health outcomes.

Nations are increasingly deploying electronic medical records, telemedicine platforms, artificial intelligence, mobile health applications, electronic prescriptions, wearable health technologies and integrated health information systems to improve efficiency and quality of care.”

The above argument advanced by Senator Jibrin, tells us in broader terms and unhindered breakthrough in the thinking, action, deep philosophy and glaring global comprehension of this noble legislator in pushing for the advancement of our healthcare system. With reference to global experience.

In his added capacity as an astute administrator, a focused Pan-African legislator and a high profile researcher he was able to capture bit-by-bit reasons why digital healthcare system is a prerequisite of modern healthcare administration and management.

The attention of my readers is needed here, where he argued brilliantly that, “Nigeria cannot afford to remain on the margins of this global transformation. Despite significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and reforms over the years, our healthcare delivery system continues to face enormous challenges.

Medical records remain largely paper-based, resulting in loss of patient information, duplication of diagnostic tests, delayed treatment and avoidable medical errors. Healthcare facilities often operate in isolation, making it difficult to exchange patient information securely across institutions.”

Because of his glued attachment to the grassroot, he was able to remember that, millions of our citizens are residing in rural, underreported, hard-to-reach and underserved communities, which make them to continue facing enormous barriers in accessing specialist medical care due to shortages of healthcare professionals and geographical limitations.

As a scholar with real and genuine academic Doctorate Degree (PhD) he was able to draw a scientific curtain for the need to have regulations governing the operationalization procedures of digital healthcare. Our esteemed Digital Legislator of repute.

That was when he said, “… the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated beyond doubt that digital health technologies are no longer optional but essential components of resilient healthcare systems. During the pandemic, telemedicine, remote consultations and electronic health information systems became indispensable in maintaining continuity of healthcare services while reducing unnecessary physical contact.”

It is through proper legislation that any system strives, cements its parts, provides goodies, enhances benefits and maintains advantages. Thinking in the same way Senator Jibrin believes that, with the negation of clear legislation there is every likelihood that, what becomes the outputs are “… fragmented implementation, inconsistent standards, inadequate interoperability, weak governance structures and uncertainty regarding legal responsibilities of healthcare providers operating digital platforms.”

During his presentation or rather arguments, he behaved as if he was a medical personnel. When he raised the issue of data confidentiality and management. One of the core behavior of health workers, to safeguard the privacy and health history of patients.

Too tantalizing for a non-medical person, when he argued that, “Distinguished Colleagues, data protection remains one of the cornerstones of this legislation. Health information is among the most sensitive categories of personal information. The Bill therefore establishes robust safeguards to ensure confidentiality, integrity and security of patients’ medical records.”

Thinking from informed position ab initio, to show to all that, DSP Jibrin knew his starting point, he knows where he was heading to and knows the clear message involved in digitalizing healthcare system, with relevant stakeholders, he identified possible collaborators who are critical in the implementation of this all-important Bill.

He said, “… this Bill aligns with the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda, the National Digital Health Strategic Framework, the National Health Act, Universal Health Coverage objectives, the Nigeria Data Protection Act and our broader commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being and Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.”

Before the Bill scaled the second reading, DSP urged his colleagues to see wisdom in the Bill and support him for its passage. Understanding the critical need for the Bill, having gone far and wide across the globe he believes that this 21st century digital era should be reflected in our healthcare sector.

In his urge to colleagues he said, “This Bill represents a bold legislative response to the realities of twenty-first-century healthcare. It provides the legal foundation necessary for building a modern, efficient, inclusive and technology-driven healthcare system that will serve present and future generations of Nigerians.
I therefore urge my Distinguished Colleagues to support this very important Bill and allow it to proceed to Second Reading.”

Anwar writes from Kano
Sunday, 12th July, 2026