By Tijjani Sarki
Good Governance Advocate and Public Policy Analyst
10 November 2026
Few things are more embarrassing in public administration than an official entrusted with managing information becoming a public lesson in the consequences of mismanaging it.
The recent warning issued by the Kano State House of Assembly to the newly appointed Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, over his premature announcement concerning the proposed presentation of the 2027 budget raises serious questions about his understanding of the responsibilities of his office.
This is more than an unfortunate communication lapse. It suggests that the Commissioner is yet to fully appreciate the cardinal principles of information management: accuracy, verification, credibility, timeliness, authorisation and respect for institutional boundaries.
The World Health Organisation identifies accuracy, transparency, coordination and timeliness as essential principles of effective communication. The Chartered Institute of Public Relations equally emphasises integrity, competence and professional responsibility.
These are not decorative principles in professional manuals, they are standards expected in practice.
PROFESSIONALISM IS NOT A CERTIFICATE
Professionalism is neither a certificate framed on an office wall nor the number of years spent occupying a position. It is reflected in attitude, ethical standards, discipline, sound judgment and the ability to recognise one's limits.
Qualifications may establish competence on paper, conduct reveals professionalism in practice. Experience should produce wisdom, not entitlement. Access to political power should encourage responsibility, not institutional arrogance.
A Commissioner must understand that not every government matter is his to announce, nor does proximity to the Governor confer authority over the constitutional responsibilities of the legislature.
Under Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, state budget estimates are subject to legislative consideration. The Assembly's warning therefore reinforces the importance of respecting constitutional procedures.
A LESSON FOR GOVERNMENT
There is an old saying: "A wise person knows not only what to say, but also when to speak and when silence is wisdom."
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf should regard this development as an opportunity to strengthen communication discipline within his administration.
Kano deserves a Ministry that informs without misleading and communicates without pre-empting other institutions.
The Commissioner may have been appointed to manage information, but his early experience demonstrates an important truth: information without judgment creates confusion, while authority without restraint creates institutional embarrassment.
Public office is a test of character, not a platform for displaying access to power.
