Natasha, Rita and the Dangers of Ignoring Public Criticism
Effective governance in a democratic setting requires not just policy execution but also competent communication and crisis management. However, in recent times, government agencies and officials in Nigeria have displayed a troubling pattern of mishandling public criticism—often escalating issues rather than addressing them constructively.
In an era dominated by digital and social media, a hasty, emotional, or defensive response to criticism can do more harm than good, as we have already witnessed. This article examines how recent government reactions to public grievances have worsened situations rather than resolving them, using two case studies: the NYSC corps member, Miss Ushie Rita Uguamaye, who criticized the high cost of living, and the Senate’s response to the alleged sexual harassment allegations involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti, as well as her subsequent six-month suspension over what the upper chamber referred to as an abuse of Senate rules.
Government officials often struggle with handling criticism, responding with hostility rather than engaging in constructive dialogue. Instead of addressing citizens’ concerns, they tend to react emotionally, sometimes even resorting to intimidation or threats. This defensive approach only fuels public outrage, leading to greater scrutiny and reputational damage.
In today’s digital world, where social media amplifies conversations at lightning speed, every government response is under the microscope and can be archived indefinitely. Poorly thought-out reactions not only keep issues trending longer but also damage public trust in government institutions.
A recent case that illustrates this problem involved a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Ushie Rita Uguamaye, who took to social media to express frustration over the high cost of living in Nigeria, stating that her monthly allowance was insufficient to cover basic expenses. Rather than acknowledging her concerns or responding with empathy while following proper disciplinary procedures, an NYSC official reportedly placed what seemed like a threatening phone call to her.
This reaction quickly backfired. Instead of silencing the corps member, it sparked national outrage. Many Nigerians criticized the NYSC’s handling of the issue, questioning why a government institution would resort to intimidation rather than addressing the underlying economic concerns. Of course, I do not support Ushie’s actions; however, as the saying goes, two wrongs do not make a right.
Had the NYSC responded with a well-crafted public statement or formally summoned her through a query, acknowledging the economic realities and outlining efforts to improve the welfare of corps members, the issue would have been better contained. Instead, their knee-jerk reaction exacerbated the situation, portraying the institution as insensitive and authoritarian.
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In another instance, Senator Natasha Akpoti alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio made inappropriate remarks toward her, which she deemed sexually harassing. Rather than addressing the allegations in a professional and measured manner, the National Assembly’s response was dismissive, portraying Akpoti as an attention-seeker who had used the wrong channel to express her grievances.
While debates may arise over whether she followed the right process in raising the issue, the Senate’s aggressive and dismissive response only worsened the situation. It casts the institution in a negative light, reinforcing perceptions of gender insensitivity and a lack of decorum within Nigeria’s political space.
A more effective PR strategy would have been to acknowledge the complaint, initiate an internal review, and communicate professionally. Instead, the defensive reaction attracted international criticism, damaging the reputation of the Senate and, by extension, Nigeria’s global image.
These two incidents highlight a larger issue: poor crisis communication and PR strategies within government institutions. Rather than thoughtful engagement, officials often react impulsively, failing to consider the long-term consequences of their words and actions.
In an era dominated by digital media, where every response is scrutinized and can go viral within minutes, government agencies must adopt a more strategic approach to crisis management. This includes:
Acknowledging Public Concerns with Empathy: Instead of reacting with anger or threats, government officials should recognize the validity of citizens’ grievances and respond with understanding.
Crafting Thoughtful, Well-Measured Responses: Government statements should be carefully reviewed and structured to avoid escalation.
Avoiding Personal Attacks or Intimidation: Threatening citizens or dismissing their concerns only fuels more outrage.
Engaging Professional PR Experts: Many government institutions lack trained media handlers. Employing experienced professionals or consultants can help prevent embarrassing missteps.
Poor PR and issue management can do more damage than the original issue itself. Government agencies must recognize that in today’s fast-paced media landscape, how they respond matters just as much as the issues they respond to.
A well-managed response to public criticism can help build trust and credibility, while a poorly handled one can spiral into a full-blown crisis. The cases of the NYSC corps member and the Senate’s reaction to Akpoti’s allegations are clear examples of how defensive, dismissive, or aggressive responses only escalate matters further.
If government agencies and officials wish to improve public perception and avoid future reputational damage, they must rethink their approach to crisis communication. Instead of reacting with anger or threats, they should engage in thoughtful, strategic, and professional crisis management. This administration has far more pressing issues to deal with than the avalanche of distractions we see daily. Failure to adopt a better approach will only lead to further embarrassment, loss of public trust, and long-term damage to institutional credibility.
Zekeri Idakwo Laruba is the Assistant editor with PRNigeria. He can be reached via [email protected]
