Abati, Adesina, Okupe, Oyo rated effective presidential spokespersons in Nigeria's Fourth Republic ~ Bureau DG

 

...Oghenesivbe set for NIPR National Spokespersons Summit in Abuja 

An assessment of the credentials and performance of presidential spokespersons in Nigeria's Fourth Republic has revealed that Dr. Reuben Abati, Pastor Femi Adesina, late Dr Doyin Okpe, late Mrs Remi Oyo and Segun Adeninyi, were effective communicators, and performed reasonably well more than their counterparts between 1999 and 2024.

Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, made the disclosure on Saturday while speaking as NIPR guest lecturer in the second pre conference webinar series for NIPRW conference, tagged Uyo 2025, and the NIPR National Spokespersons Summit holding in Abuja from Monday 14th to Thursday 17th April, 2025. 

He spoke on the topic: "Perceived performance of Presidential Spokespersons in Nigeria's Fourth Republic."

Dr Oghenesivbe's NIPR webinar lecture was an offshoot from his Postgraduate dissertation at the Department of Mass Communication,  University of Lagos, and proudly endorsed by NIPR Council. He  assessed the Public Relations Credentials and Performance of Presidential Spokespersons in Nigeria's Fourth Republic, wherein he contextually analyzed multifaceted data on late Dr Doyin Okpe, late Mrs Oluremi Oyo, Uba Sani, Segun Adeninyi, Ima Nibiro, Femi Adesina, Dr Reuben Abati, and Chief Ajuri Ngilale.

The assessment guided by the four models of Public Relations; Credentialism Theory, and Role Theory, as well as quantitative content analysis of spokespersons profiles and career trajectories was supported by a survey of 73 professional Public Relations practitioners perception of individual performance. 

The study which was keenly supervised by Dr Unwana Samuel Akpan of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, earned Oghenesivbe accolades from academicians and PR executives, as well as members of NIPR Council.

Dr Oghenesivbe disclosed that the research findings revealed a prevalent reliance on the Public Information Model, characterized by one-way communication, which limited public engagement and trust-building, adding that while some of the presidential spokespersons demonstrated strong media backgrounds, the majority lacked formal public relations education, experience or certifications before  appointment, raising concerns about their preparedness for dynamic communication demands.

The Communications Bureau Chief who is also the incumbent Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Chapter of NIPR, stated that his study revealed that the effectiveness of spokespersons depends on adopting interactive communication approaches, aligning credentials with professional standards, and clearly defining roles. He emphasized targeted training in public relations, professional certification, credentials acquisition, and the adoption of the two-way symmetrical model to enhance trust and credibility.

Among the assessed presidential spokespersons from 1999 to 2024, late Mrs Oluremi Oyo received the highest mean score of 2.96, which places her performance in the "Fair" category. This suggests that Mrs Oyo is perceived to have done better compared to her peers, with PR practitioners acknowledging her ability to manage the complexities of her role as presidential spokesperson.

According to Dr Oghenesivbe, Dr Reuben Abati received a second place mean score of 2.88, Dr Okupe 2.84, Femi Adesina 2.75, Ima Nibiro 2.64, Segun Adeninyi 2.62, Ajuri Ngilale 2.40 and Uba Sani 2.36. The relatively low mean scores for Uba Sani and Chief Ajuri Ngilale highlight specific cases where PR practitioners believe substantial improvements were needed.

The study revealed that Dr Abati, Mrs Oyo, Dr Okupe, Femi Adesina and Segun Adeninyi mean scores indicate that these individuals were perceived by professional PR practitioners as competent but not outstanding in their roles. Their performance reflects a satisfactory level of public relations practice, where they likely maintained appreciable government's messaging, crisis/image management, good media coverage, and engaged with the media and public to an appreciable and reasonable extend.

Dr Oghenesivbe further stated that Femi Adesina, Dr Reuben Abati, Ima Nibiro and Chief Ajuri Ngilale, frequently increases the volume of positive messaging to overshadow criticism. This suggests that they are particularly proactive in managing negative feedback through an optimistic counter-narrative, saying that a strategic combination of the Public Information Model, and the Press Agentry/Publicity Model cannot be overemphasized.

He stated that most spokespersons lack essential public relations training, which undermines their professional effectiveness, and more specifically they do not possess the specialized qualifications and certifications required by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, which emphasizes formal education and accreditation as necessary for PR practice.

Dr Oghenesivbe's study observes that most spokespersons preferred controlled media interactions over public dialogue, reflecting a broader tendency to prioritize government image management, noting that Femi Adesina and Dr Reuben Abati employed media-centric strategies that align with the Press Agentry/Publicity Model, which focuses on generating favourable media coverage rather than fostering public engagement.

In contrast, spokespersons like Mrs Oluremi Oyo and Ima Nibiro adhered to the Public Information Model, which emphasizes transparency and factual communication without aggressive media manipulation. This divergence communication models illustrates different approaches to managing public perception and the government image.

Dr Oghenesivbe recommended that Spokespersons should obtain formal public relations and communication  training from NIPR to enhance their expertise and meet professional standards, balance traditional and digital media strategies by incorporating real-time social media engagement with controlled messaging through television and newspapers for broader audience reach.

He further recommended that spokespersons should prioritize transparent communication models, such as the Public Information Model to provide factual and open communication with the public rather than focusing on managing government image, while government communication team should engage in more interactive public dialogue, addressing public concerns and government messaging rather than relying exclusively on controlled media interactions, so as  to foster greater public trust and responsiveness.

Dr Oghenesivbe's study made significant contributions to both the practice of PR, particularly on the context of government Communication. It offered practical guidance for PR professionals and government communicators by emphasizing the importance of formal public relations training and certification. It contributes to academic research by providing emperical evidence of the evolving media strategies employed by spokespersons in Nigeria.

He stressed the need for PR practitioners and aspiring members to support NIPR's mission to elevate professional standards in public relations by promoting the importance of ethical practices and formal training to strengthen the credibility of PR practice within Nigerian governance.

AMORI CONGRATULATES OBOREVWORI AT VANGUARD AWARDS

 

The Chief Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ighoyota Amori, joined prominent dignitaries and well-wishers at the prestigious Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, in honour of the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori.

The event, which attracted a high delegation from Delta State, including PDP Chairman, Delta State; Chief Solomon Arenyeka, Member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency; Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Member representing Udu/Ughelli; Rev. Francis Waive, among others. Also in attendance were captains of industry, and opinion leaders from across the nation in celebration of the outstanding contributions of Governor Oborevwori to governance, development, and democratic leadership in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Senator Amori, expressed deep admiration and pride in the Governor’s sterling leadership. “It is a great honour to witness our Governor, H.E. Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, being celebrated on a national stage. His unwavering commitment to the M.O.R.E Agenda has transformed Delta State into a beacon of hope, progress, and good governance,” Amori said.

He further described the Governor as a visionary leader whose people-centred policies have continued to impact lives positively across the state. “This award is a well-deserved recognition of a man who has remained focused, humble, and dedicated to service. We are proud of the Ukodo of Delta State,” he added.

The Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards is an annual event organized by Vanguard Newspapers to honour individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their various fields and have contributed significantly to national development.

Governor Oborevwori’s Vanguard Awards gives credence to the various awards from global organizations in recognition of his administration’s milestones in infrastructure development, youth empowerment, education, and peacebuilding.

The ceremony also served as a moment of unity and celebration for Deltans across the country, who hailed the Governor’s award as a reflection of the state’s growing relevance in national discourse.

Senator Amori’s presence at the award gala reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Chief Adviser’s office for the Governor’s vision and his determination to see Delta State flourish under purposeful leadership.

Tinubu-Oborevwori political romance: Why Basil Okoh is pained, frustrated

 

By Jim Derek

I read Basil Okoh's cracked piece, it was indeed a loud cry by a bitter loser bedevilled by the rise and fall of 2014 DITO group, the pains continue to resonate per media propaganda.

DITO is Delta Intelligentsia for Tony Obuh, formed in 2014 to scuttle the governorship ambition of Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa in favour of Mr Tony Obuh, of blessed memory; both men from Ika nation extraction. Bail could not move on after the great fall of DITO, his only hope to become politically relevant and probably become a senior political appointee, if Obuh had emerged in 2015 as governor of Delta State.

Basil Okoh was never alone in DITO, there were both serving and retired senior government officials and other notable technocrats, academicians and consultants assembled to craft policies and programmes for Obuh campaign and incoming government. But at the end, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa emerged as PDP governorship candidate in 2015. Basil Okoh became frustrated and helpless.

Prior to the general elections, some DITO and DUTO members who were in PDP to promote Tony Obuh's governorship election defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC Delta in early 2015, due largely to the crash of DITO and DUTO. DUTO is Delta United for Tony Obuh, with Chief Ayiri Emani as the arrowhead. They fought from the APC end in 2015 but could not defeat Okowa. The "political Ekwueme" survived all odds, and the likes of Basil Okoh swore to fight Okowa and his political family for life.

Basil has been satanically tenacious since 2015 in his evil agenda towards Okowa, as can be seen in his media attacks on the former governor and his political associates, as well as the PDP political family in Delta State. Basil is a man suffering from mental manipulation and/or instability that is grossly unproductive. He's to a large extent depressed and frustrated from all sides, which has rendered him debased and irrelevant. Basil is not a politician, he's a professional blackmailer, deploying evil intelligence.

Other members of DITO moved on, some joined the Okowa administration to contribute their quota towards the development of Delta State, while others defected to opposition parties; but Basil Okoh decided to go the other way, ranting and spreading false allegations against former governor Okowa and incumbent governor, Sheriff Oborevwori as a result of the carryover of heavy dose of bitterness flowing from the rise and fall of DITO spanning over a decade. While in DITO, Basil Okoh was allegedly a recalcitrant, unnecessarily provoked,  arrogant and highly disrespectful. He was very proud and self serving, according to a reliable source who was also a DITO member.

When eventually Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, then Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly indicated interest to run for the office of the Governor of Delta State in 2022/2023; and with the solid  backing of the then incumbent governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Basil Okoh and his associates went to town with all kinds of allegations against Okowa and Oborevwori. They sang bitter songs, wrote all kinds of distasteful articles that found solace in the trash cans, Deltans spoke loudly in support of Oborevwori.

Governor Oborevwori survived 38 lawsuits, from lower Courts of competent jurisdictions to the apex Court, the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Basil Okoh was said to have wept like a day old baby. He failed woefully to achieve his evil plans against governor Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON. Basil's tongue is obviously unbridled coupled with unforgiving evil spirit that dwells in his stone-heart.

Basil can be safely referred to as a "professional serial blackmailer" who will stop at nothing to fabricate all sorts of lies peddled via crude media propaganda against perceived enemies or political figures. That's Basil Okoh for you. Check his background and his evil track records, he's indeed a super blackmailer of the highest order.

Basil Okoh's recent article targeted at President Bola Tinubu and the governor of Delta State, Dr (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori is one of such deliberate blackmail, and it's laughable, not different from his previous empty rantings that goes to no issue. His recent article like the previous titles is devoid of emperical facts and figures. Basil shall continue to wallow in pains and agony occasioned by his failure to become a senior government official due to the political development of 2015, which in his view, prevented his benefactor from becoming governor of Delta State.

To set the records straight, governor Oborevwori is not a desperate individual, his emergence as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was through a transparent and open process, televised via national television stations, from voting by delegates to counting of votes and declaration of results. The process was without blemish.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other governorship aspirants in Delta Central Senatorial District went through the entire process openly, peacefully and transparently. All the aspirants were given equal opportunity and time frame to exhibit their individual capacity and popularity. None of the other aspirants faulted the emergence of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, either as governorship candidate of PDP or as governor-elect in 2023, except Olorogun David Edevbie and some people who fronted for the major opposition political party. Their conspiracy theory collapsed, crashed like a pack of cards.

The entire allegations brought against governor Oborevwori were tried in Courts of competent jurisdictions, from the Courts below to the Court above, the Supreme Court. Mr Basil Okoh witnessed the outcome of the entire 38 lawsuits which ended in favour of PDP and governor Sheriff Oborevwori. To God be the Glory!

From the issue of alleged certificates forgery to whether or not Oborevwori genuinely graduated from Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma and Delta State University Abraka to the issue of his School Certificate. All of these were tested, witnesses were called and at the end governor Oborevwori was cleared by the Courts in all 38 lawsuits. His classmates and Course mates at various levels and institutions of learning  testified, and they rallied behind their Alma mater. 

Governor Oborevwori won the  governorship election in 21 local government areas in 2023, while the then Senate Deputy President and the All Progressives Congress, APC Delta won in 4 local government areas as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The results declared by INEC were also tested and scrutinized at the Tribunal and in the Courts below, and finally at the Supreme Court. Governor Oborevwori was affirmed the validly elected governor of Delta State, case closed. Mr Basil Okoh cannot now say that governor Oborevwori was imposed on Deltans. The rise and fall of DITO in 2014/2015 has been the bitter pill hanging on the throat of Mr Okoh till date.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a political bridge builder, a visionary leader, accomplished political leader, and had since aligned with President Tinubu's visionary leadership devoid of political affiliation and all kinds of sentiments. Mr Basil Okoh cannot do anything about it. And it is foreseeable that APC Delta will at the appropriate time effortlessly adopt Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as sole governorship candidate in 2027 based on his monumental achievements as a pan Deltan, and performing governor of inestimable value.

Mr Basil Okoh is also aware that governor Oborevwori has been governing the state without borrowing a penny from anywhere in the world, not from banks or financial institutions. Recently, he got the "Best Governor of the Year Award" from ThisDay Arise Media Group, and "Best Governor in Infrastructure Development Award " from The New Telegraph Newspapers. These Awards were never challenged by any governor or group in Nigeria, meaning that governor Oborevwori worked very hard to earn them. At what point did Mr Bail Okoh lost it? It's time for him to recover from his DITO nightmares.

In fact, here is nothing Mr Okoh can do about the rising political and leadership profile of governor Oborevwori. It is a well known fact that the People's governor with street credibility is not going to defect to APC Delta; he's going to win the 2027 governorship election as PDP gubernatorial candidate judging from his hard work and body language.

The performing governor of Delta State, Dr (Elder) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori has no rival in 2027. Mr Basil Okoh is aware that Delta State is PDP, and PDP is Delta State since 1999 till date. The cordial relationship between President Bola Tinubu and governor Oborevwori will continue to thrive beyond 2031, and it shall consistently attract additional dividends of democracy to all Deltans and the state, so as to complement the huge socioeconomic and infrastructural development achievements of the governo. The flawless implementation of the MORE Agenda is commendable. As Deltans, we are proud of the remarkable achievements of governor Oborevwori.

The immediate past governor of Delta State, and a frontline national leader of PDP, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, is a great leader to the best of our knowledge as Deltans. He's a clean man who fears God; and Mr Okoh is aware that the frivolous allegations against him lack substance, and therefore dead on arrival. 

Senator Okowa recently received a large number of APC Delta defectors to PDP in Ika nation and in Delta North Senatorial District. This development directly faults Basil Okoh's claim that Senator Okowa is forcing governor Oborevwori to join APC Delta. I think Basil is now bereft of ideas. He should comfort himself and come to terms with the present political and leadership realty in the State. 

Finally, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will continue to be Mr Basil Okoh's governor till May 29, 2031 under the ruling party in the state since 1999, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Basil's crude media propaganda goes to no issue.

***

Jim Derek is a Public Affairs Commentator, and a political Scientist. He's the principal partner at Infomax & Associates in Lagos, Nigeria.