A former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has described the #EndSARS crisis as a classic example of how fake news and disinformation can inflame a volatile situation, rather than a failure of government communication.
It was reported that Mohammed stated this at a high-level forum at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) over the weekend.
Protests ‘Hijacked’
He noted that while the protests began as a genuine expression of grievances against police brutality, they were later hijacked by individuals with ulterior motives.
He said the situation escalated significantly due to the deliberate spread of misinformation and unverified reports across traditional and digital media, particularly after troops were deployed to the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
Media Criticism
The former minister specifically cited the role of CNN, alleging that its reports relied heavily on unverified and, at times, doctored content, which amplified tensions and shaped a global narrative that did not reflect realities on the ground.
“The problem we had was not the usual communication gap between the government and the citizens. It was fake news and disinformation, coupled with unbridled violence,” he said.
COVID-19 Strategy
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Mohammed highlighted Nigeria’s success in leveraging a coordinated and adaptive communication framework.
He noted that despite the absence of a global template, the government’s strategy of transparency and daily briefings helped achieve public approval ratings of between 97 and 98 per cent.
Countering Insurgency
On the fight against insurgency, he recalled a media tour of territories previously occupied by Boko Haram.
He said leading 40 journalists to the North-East was a turning point that helped counter extremist propaganda and restore confidence in the military’s progress.
Twitter Ban Explained
Addressing the suspension of Twitter during his tenure, the former minister clarified that it was not an impulsive decision but a necessary step to curb incitement and divisive content after repeated efforts to secure the platform’s cooperation failed.
Town Hall Engagement
He also highlighted the introduction of nationwide town hall meetings as a key innovation in bridging communication gaps.
He described the sessions as unscripted platforms that enabled localized messaging and inclusive engagement across the six geopolitical zones.
Building Communication Framework
Mohammed revealed that upon assuming office, he encountered a vacuum in structured communication strategy, which necessitated the development of a proactive framework integrating both traditional and digital media to ensure a two-way feedback system.
UK Tour, New Book
The interaction at the LSE concluded the former minister’s three-day speaking tour of the United Kingdom, where he promoted his new book.
The book, titled “Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration,” chronicles Mohammed’s tenure from 2015 to 2023.
