Public office comes with enormous responsibilities, expectations and obligations. It is an opportunity to serve the people, strengthen institutions and advance government policies, not an avenue for settling personal scores, creating unnecessary controversies or discrediting the contributions of predecessors.
The recent developments surrounding the new Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, deserve careful reflection.
Having assumed this important responsibility, the Commissioner should understand that his immediate priority must be how to move the ministry forward, build on existing achievements and establish a professional working relationship with stakeholders, media practitioners, government institutions and the civil service.
Leadership is not measured by how quickly a new officeholder distances himself from the work of his predecessor. Rather, it is measured by the ability to identify what is working, address existing challenges and introduce policies that will deliver better results.
It is important to emphasise that government is a continuous institution. A change in leadership does not mean that everything established by the previous administration or officeholder must be discarded. Every responsible public servant should understand the importance of institutional memory, policy continuity and respect for established administrative procedures.
In the case of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, the Commissioner must recognise that information management is a sensitive responsibility that requires maturity, strategic communication, professionalism and a clear understanding of government communication policies.
The ministry should not become a theatre of unnecessary disagreements or personal differences. Instead, it should serve as an effective instrument for communicating government achievements, explaining public policies, correcting misinformation and promoting constructive engagement between government and citizens.
Furthermore, the Commissioner must understand that the Kano State House of Assembly is an independent constitutional institution. Its concerns and observations regarding the handling of information about parliamentary activities should be treated with seriousness, respect and a willingness to improve institutional relations.
Public criticism should not be mistaken for personal hostility. Constructive criticism is part of democratic governance, and a responsible public officer must demonstrate the maturity to learn from it.
Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa has a responsibility to demonstrate that his experience in journalism and public communication can translate into effective leadership in government. His new position offers him an opportunity to distinguish himself through professionalism, administrative discipline and meaningful contributions to the development of Kano State.
However, experience alone is not enough. Public office requires restraint, emotional intelligence, respect for institutional boundaries and the ability to work with people regardless of personal differences.
My sincere advice to the Honourable Commissioner is simple:
FACE YOUR NEW RESPONSIBILITIES.
Concentrate on the mandate entrusted to you by His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Develop your agenda, strengthen the ministry, respect existing government policies and build a professional relationship with your colleagues.
Do not allow unnecessary controversies or personal disagreements to distract you from the enormous task before you.
The people of Kano State are not interested in internal political disagreements or personality conflicts. They want results, effective communication, accountability and responsible leadership.
Ultimately, history will not judge the Commissioner by how successfully he criticises his predecessor, but by the quality of his own performance and the positive impact he makes during his tenure.
*A new office deserves a new focus, not a new controversy.*
Comrade Najeeb Nasir Ibrahim
