CRITICISM, COMMUNICATION AND GOVERNANCE: WHY PROFESSIONALISM MATTERS IN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
By Abubakar Adamu Kuta
The recent exchange between a literary icon, teacher and public affairs commentator, Pa BM Dzukogi, and the Chief Coordinator on Media Relations to the Farmer Governor of Niger State, Alfa Kayan Bago, has once again brought to the fore the critical role of professionalism in government communication and public relations.
Pa BM Dzukogi's article on the state of affairs in Niger State under the leadership of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago was, by every objective assessment, a contribution to public discourse. Like many elder statesmen who have devoted decades to the service of society through teaching and learning, public commentary and civic engagement, he undertook an appraisal of the administration's performance by highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.
Importantly, the article did not seek to diminish the remarkable achievements recorded by the present administration. On the contrary, it acknowledged the bold initiatives and developmental projects embarked upon under the New Niger Agenda. However, Pa Dzukogi also drew attention to areas requiring improvement and urged government officials to pay closer attention to concerns being expressed by well-meaning Nigerlites.
At the heart of his intervention was the argument that the growing Hausa political slogan, "Falle Biyu" which suggests a second-term project for Farmer Governor Bago, should not become the dominant focus of political discussions. According to him, the priority should remain the fulfillment of campaign promises, the consolidation of ongoing reforms, and the completion of the numerous projects initiated under the New Niger Agenda. In essence, his position was that performance and delivery should precede political campaigns.
This perspective is neither unusual nor hostile. In democratic governance, constructive criticism is not an act of opposition but a necessary instrument for accountability and policy improvement. Governments derive immense value from honest feedback because it enables them to identify shortcomings, correct mistakes, and strengthen public confidence.
Unfortunately, rather than engaging with the substance of the issues raised, the response credited to the Coordinator of Media to the Governor, Alfa Kayan Bago, took a different direction. Instead of addressing the concerns raised in the article through facts, evidence and reasoned arguments, the response reportedly focused on the personality of the author.
This represents a classic example of attacking the messenger instead of engaging the message.
One of the most controversial aspects of the response was the assertion that because Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago donated the sum of ₦50 million during the public presentation of six books authored by Pa BM Dzukogi, the elder statesman had lost the moral standing to criticize the government. The implication was that criticism from someone who had benefited from the governor's generosity amounted to ingratitude or, as the response suggested, "biting the finger that fed him."
Such reasoning raises serious questions about the understanding of democratic engagement and public accountability.
Public support for intellectual, literary and educational initiatives should never be interpreted as a transaction that purchases silence or guarantees perpetual endorsement. If public figures, scholars, journalists and opinion leaders are expected to surrender their independence of thought simply because they received support for a public cause, then meaningful public discourse becomes impossible.
The principle of accountability requires that every citizen, regardless of previous associations, retains the right to express views on governance. Indeed, many of the most valuable contributions to policy development often come from individuals who support an administration but are willing to point out areas where improvement is needed.
The essence of democratic governance is not blind loyalty but constructive engagement.
The incident also highlights the importance of professionalism in media management and government communication.
The role of a government media aide extends far beyond defending an administration against criticism. Strategic communication is fundamentally about building understanding, managing perceptions, promoting transparency, and maintaining public trust. It involves listening as much as speaking. It requires emotional intelligence, restraint and the ability to separate personal sentiments from official responsibilities.
Professional communicators understand that criticism is inevitable in public service. No government, regardless of its achievements, can completely escape scrutiny. The responsibility of communication managers is therefore not to silence critics but to respond in a manner that reinforces confidence in government.
A professional response to Pa Dzukogi's article could have highlighted the administration's achievements, clarified misconceptions, provided updates on ongoing projects, and reassured citizens that the concerns raised were receiving attention. Such an approach would have demonstrated confidence, maturity and respect for differing opinions.
Instead, personal attacks often produce the opposite effect.
When public officials or government spokespersons resort to blackmail, intimidation or character assassination, they inadvertently validate the concerns they seek to dismiss. Citizens begin to question whether government representatives are more interested in suppressing criticism than addressing genuine issues.
Moreover, such responses create an atmosphere of fear and hostility that discourages honest feedback. Stakeholders who might otherwise offer useful suggestions become reluctant to speak, fearing public attacks or misrepresentation. Over time, government becomes insulated from reality because only praise is heard while constructive criticism is silenced.
This is dangerous for any administration.
History shows that governments perform best when they remain open to criticism. Constructive dissent serves as an early warning system that alerts leaders to emerging challenges before they become major problems. It provides opportunities for course correction and policy refinement.
Trust, perhaps the most valuable political asset, is built through openness, humility and responsiveness. Citizens are more likely to trust a government that acknowledges concerns and responds respectfully than one that treats every criticism as an act of hostility.
For the New Niger Agenda to achieve its full potential, there must be room for honest conversations about both successes and shortcomings. Development is a collective project that requires the participation of government, civil society, the media, traditional institutions and ordinary citizens. The voices of critics, especially respected elder statesmen and experienced public commentators, should not be viewed as threats but as contributions to the democratic process.
Our Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has earned widespread recognition for his ambitious vision and transformative agenda for Niger State. The administration's numerous infrastructural projects the 556km roads across the 25 LGAs, agricultural initiatives and institutional reforms have generated significant public interest and support. However, sustaining that support requires a communication culture that embraces dialogue rather than confrontation.
The true test of leadership is not how it responds to praise but how it responds to criticism.
As Niger State continues on its path of transformation, government communicators must recognize that professionalism is not a sign of weakness. It is a mark of confidence. Respectful engagement with critics strengthens institutions, enhances credibility and deepens public trust.
Ultimately, the issue raised by Pa BM Dzukogi was not about political slogans or second-term ambitions. It was about governance, service delivery and the fulfillment of promises made to the people. Those concerns deserve thoughtful responses, not personal attacks.
The future of the New Niger Agenda will depend not only on the projects executed by government but also on the quality of the conversations that shape public confidence in those projects. In that regard, professionalism, tolerance and constructive engagement remain indispensable tools for effective governance and sustainable democratic development.
Abubakar Adamu Kuta is an ardent supporter of Bago and writes from Minna.
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Opinion