By Gambo Abubakar Kaduna
The Senior Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Segun Otunba Showunmi, has commended the All Progressive Congress loyallies in Kaduna and others states that’s came out massively to welcomed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu flag off Campaign.
And also lauded the patience and professional conduct of the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
Mr Segun Otunba made the recommendation during a press briefing organised by the President media aides office, which recently held at Nigeria Union of Journalist Secretariat in Kaduna.
The presidential media aide also emphasized the necessity of rotational presidency to ensure that every part of Nigeria feels a sense of belonging, inclusion, and for national cohesion.
He appreciated for the successful flag-off, the presidential aide praised Kaduna for its unique social harmony. “For hosting the President and his entire campaign team, and for the massive turn-out, the level of peace, camaraderie, happiness, energy, and the unique unity of Kaduna.
Showunmi called on media practitioners to act as strict guardians of the profession against the rising tide of misinformation.
“I have come to beg you to help us sustain a reasonable narrative of communication. You are trained professionals. Evolution is taking place in our field, and if we do not maintain serious guardrails to prevent our profession from being hijacked by charlatans—who carry phones, write falsehoods, manipulate facts, and instigate society—what would be our duty as the Fourth Estate?”
He urged journalists to hold political actors accountable: “The pitch of politics has started, but you own the communication channels. First, help us insist that everyone—whether opposition or ruling party—stays on message. Second, help us stop them when they peddle lies. Do not allow them to use the communication superhighway to turn society against itself.”
He described Kaduna as “the Lagos of the North,” highlighted its peaceful multi-ethnic and multi-religious coexistence, warning against divisive rhetorics disguised as democratic engagement.
Reflecting on political history and current leadership , Showunmi defended the administration’s milestones, drawing parallels with past leaders and highlighting ongoing reforms in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.
He however noted that, the extensive road construction projects spearheaded by the Minister of Works, which have generated local employment, alongside policies expanding student loan access to give children from less-privileged backgrounds a chance at higher education.
He also pointed to government-backed reductions in dialysis costs (from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000) and subsidies for maternal care (Caesarean sections), while emphasizing increased financial allocations to local governments and timely salary and pension payments.
“On insecurity, acknowledged improvements in national security, noting a faster response time in rescuing kidnap victims and a visible security footprint across the country.”
He however maintained that “underscoring the importance of power rotation, institutionalizing regional rotation fosters fairness, predictability, and political stability.”
“When power is in the North—if it is their time—they will present capable hands, and we will choose one without unnecessary quarrels. When it is time to go to the South, we will do the same, this is useful not only for national planning but also for regional harmony,” he explained.
He further an appeal to media practitioners to safeguard the nation’s democracy, combat divisive politics, and take pride in Nigeria’s status as the leading black nation in the world.
