By Olaotan Fawehinmi
In a recent interview, one of the esteemed fathers of communication in Nigeria highlighted a crucial distinction between the politics of communication and the communication of politics. He attributed the current crisis between the government and the people of Nigeria to a communication gap between the two parties.
The politics of communication is the strategic use of communication to achieve political goals, shape public opinion, and influence policy decisions. In the context of the ongoing protests, this means how both the government and the protesters use communication to advance their interests, mobilise support, and frame the narrative. On the other hand, the communication of politics is disseminating information about political issues, policies, and decisions to the public, involving how political information is packaged, transmitted, and received by the audience.
Regarding the protests, the communication gap between the government and the people is primarily a mismatch between the politics of communication and the communication of politics. The government’s politics of communication has been criticised for being top-down, imposing its narrative without listening to protesters’ concerns, and dismissing the severity of the situation and protesters’ grievances.
Conversely, the communication of politics has been inadequate, with a lack of transparency and insufficient information about government actions and decisions, limited access and restricted channels for protesters to express their concerns, and ineffective mechanisms that ignore or dismiss protesters’ feedback.
Nigerians are currently ablaze with discontent with their leaders, driven by the hunger in the land. From the streets of Abuja to the alleys of Lagos, protesters demand an end to bad governance, corruption, and economic stagnation. Amidst the cacophony of chants and slogans, a glaring disconnect stands out. The government appears tone-deaf, dismissing protesters as “misled” or “politically motivated,” while protesters feel ignored, their grievances trivialised, and their voices muzzled. This chasm of understanding has transformed the streets into a battleground, with both sides talking past each other.
A lack of empathy and understanding has characterised the government’s response to the protests. Official statements often downplay the severity of the situation, blaming “external forces” or “political opponents” for the unrest. Most government officials granting interviews have talked down on the people at every opportunity. This dismissive attitude only fuels the perception that the government is out of touch with the people’s concerns.
Meanwhile, protesters feel that their demands for accountability, transparency, and good governance are falling on deaf ears. They argue that the government’s inaction and silence are tantamount to complicity in the face of corruption and mismanagement. The consequences of this communication gap are far-reaching. Protesters feel marginalised, ignored, and disenfranchised, leading to increased frustration and anger. On the other hand, the government appears isolated and ineffective in addressing the root causes of the protests.
Years of broken promises and unfulfilled expectations have eroded trust between the government and citizens.
The overarching impact of the current protests in Nigeria, caused by the communication gap between the government and the people, on governance will include an erosion of trust. The government’s inability to communicate effectively with its citizens will lead to a further decline in trust. Also, the protests may escalate, leading to social unrest, instability, and potentially even violence.
One significant consequence of the ongoing protests is the disruption of economic activities, which will affect businesses, investments, and the overall economy. Apart from causing more political polarisation, the protests may damage Nigeria’s international reputation, affecting diplomatic relationships and foreign investments.
To mitigate these impacts, the government must prioritise effective communication, transparency, and citizen engagement to rebuild trust and ensure inclusive governance.
Bridging this communication gap requires a fundamental shift in approach and a commitment from both sides. The government must adopt a more participatory approach to governance by actively listening and engaging with protesters, hearing their concerns, and acknowledging their grievances. Transparency is crucial, with the government providing clear, timely, and accurate information about its policies and choices. Accountability is also required to ensure those in power are held responsible for their actions and decisions. Inclusive decision-making involving a diverse range of stakeholders is essential.
Protesters, too, must be willing to engage in constructive dialogue and seek solutions rather than solely emphasising demands. Articulating clear goals and demands, engaging in peaceful and non-violent protest, seeking common ground with the government, and building alliances with other stakeholders are crucial steps forward.
As Nigeria teeters on the brink of chaos, the status quo is unsustainable. The government and protesters must find common ground and close the communication gap to build a more just, equitable, and prosperous society. Nigeria’s future depends on it.
The way forward requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. The government, protesters, civil society organisations, and the international community must work together to build a more just and equitable society.
Some possible solutions to this problem include establishing a national dialogue forum where government officials and protesters can engage in constructive conversation, creating a citizen engagement platform where Nigerians can provide feedback and input on government policies and decisions, and implementing transparency and accountability mechanisms to ensure that government actions are open and subject to scrutiny.
In addition to these solutions, the government can also take steps to address the underlying issues driving the protests by implementing economic reforms to address poverty, inequality, and unemployment, strengthening institutions to prevent corruption, improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, and protecting human rights while promoting social justice.
The international community can also support Nigeria’s democratic development by providing diplomatic support and encouragement, offering technical assistance and capacity-building programs, promoting economic growth and investment, and encouraging regional and international cooperation.
Nigeria’s journey to the promised land may be long and challenging, but with determination, resilience, and a commitment to doing what is right, we can overcome any obstacle and emerge stronger.
Olaotan Fawehinmi, a dynamic communications expert and Associate Director at Mediacraft Associates, resides in Lagos, Nigeria. He is a global affiliate of the CIPR (UK), and a member of the PRCA (UK), CIM (UK), and the NIMN (Nig). He can be reached via olaotansf@gmail.com