Exclusive: Makinde bans commisioners, aides, others from speaking to journalists without approval

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has directed all commissioners and other public  office holders in his government to henceforth desist from media engagements without his approval, Mega Icon Magazine exclusively gathered.

Governor Makinde specifically warned them against granting or making both radio and television interviews/appearances without getting clearance from him.

According to the governor, public office holders who wish to engage  in media appearances to speak about the administration, project initiatives or counter wrong narratives must be encouraged to request for at least  five  (5) days’ notice from the media house, stressing that the notice period must then be used to secure the necessary approval and engage his Media Unit to prepare for any possible, emerging or contending questions ahead of the media appearance.

The governor who gave the directive in a circular letter obtained by our reporter , also warned that public office holders must not appear in crossfire or confrontational programs.

The Circular letter titled “Guidelines On Media Appearances By Public Office Holders/Party Officials” , dated 24th September , 2020 and signed by the Secretary to the state government, Olubamiwo Adeosun read, “In order to prevent un- coordinated and counter-productive media exposure of public office holders and ensure that they are well guided, the following are the guidelines on media appearances :

“All media appearances by public office  holders must be target driven.

“Public office holders who wish to appear on radio/Television programs must secure the approval of His Excellency through the Secretary to the state government via His Excellency’s the Governor’s Media Department.

“Officers of State I.e the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Head of Service, Deputy Chief of Staff are to engage in media appearances strategically and Sparingly.

The letter with reference number:  ADI.36/VOL.III/186 continued, “Honourable Commissioners, Director Generals, Chairmen of Boards /Parastatals and State Government spokespersons that engage in media appearances must restrict themselves to issues affecting their Ministries, Departments and Agencies. They must not appear in crossfire or confrontational programs.

“Public office holders who wish to engage  in media appearances to speak about the administration, project initiatives or counter wrong narratives must be encouraged to request for at least  five  (5) days’ notice from the media house . The notice period must then be used to secure the necessary approval and engage His Excellency’s Media Unit to prepare for any possible, emerging or contending questions ahead of the media appearance.

“Public office holders scheduled to appear on media programs  must be familiar with the idiosyncrasies of the media house/anchor in question.

“Political office holders must understand   that the media is the most viable vehicle through which government activities can be communicated and they must adapt to the terrain while being flexible

“It is important for all affected government officials to comply with these guidelines in order to prevent embarrassment to their persons and the state government”, the letter warned.