Comrade Najeeb Nasir Ibrahim
*Public Affairs Analyst | Political Commentator*
The newly appointed Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, appears to have begun his tenure on a controversial note following a warning from the Kano State House of Assembly over the premature disclosure of information relating to parliamentary proceedings.
During Monday’s plenary session, the House Majority Leader, Hon. Lawan Hussaini Dala, expressed displeasure over what he considered an inappropriate approach to communicating matters concerning the legislature.
According to the Majority Leader, the Commissioner had reportedly been releasing information about the activities and proceedings of the House before such matters were officially made public by the Assembly.
Hon. Lawan Hussaini cautioned that such conduct was inappropriate, stressing the importance of respecting institutional boundaries, established communication procedures and the constitutional responsibilities of the different arms of government.
He further explained that the law empowers the Governor to present the state budget before the House of Assembly for consideration and approval, emphasising that the legislature has its own established procedures and constitutional authority in carrying out its responsibilities.
A QUESTION OF PROFESSIONALISM
What makes this development particularly concerning is its timing. Coming on what appears to be the Commissioner’s first day in office, the warning raises serious questions about the professional caution, institutional understanding and coordination expected from the head of the state’s information machinery.
The Ministry of Information is not merely a platform for publishing government activities. It is a strategic institution responsible for managing public communication, protecting the credibility of government information and maintaining constructive relationships with other democratic institutions.
A Commissioner entrusted with such responsibility must understand that information management requires accuracy, discretion, verification and respect for institutional procedures.
Political enthusiasm must never take precedence over professional judgment.
EXPERIENCE MUST BE MATCHED WITH PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
There is no doubt that Sunusi Bature has considerable experience in journalism and media engagement. However, occupying the office of Commissioner requires more than journalistic experience. It demands administrative maturity, political wisdom, institutional diplomacy and a clear understanding of government operations.
The ability to report political developments is different from the responsibility of managing official government information.
A public office holder must understand when to speak, what to communicate and the appropriate institutional channel through which information should be released.
AN EARLY WARNING THAT MUST NOT BE IGNORED
The warning from the Kano State House of Assembly should serve as an important lesson for the new Commissioner. Rather than viewing it as an institutional confrontation, it should be treated as an opportunity to improve coordination and strengthen the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Kano State deserves an Information Commissioner who combines media experience with professionalism, administrative competence and respect for democratic institutions.
The credibility of the Ministry of Information will not be measured by how quickly it releases information, but by the accuracy, responsibility and professionalism with which it communicates.
The first impression matters in public service. The new Commissioner must therefore understand that his responsibility goes beyond defending government policies or publicising official activities. He is expected to uphold the integrity of the Ministry, respect constitutional institutions and ensure that government communication reflects the highest standards of professionalism.
The Kano State House of Assembly has sounded an early warning. The Commissioner should take it seriously, learn from the development and demonstrate that he is prepared to lead the Ministry with wisdom, discipline and institutional respect.
*By: Comrade Najeeb Nasir Ibrahim**
*Public Affairs Analyst | Political Commentator*
