As part of its move in preventing uncoordinated and counter-productive media exposure of political office holders, Oyo State Government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, has laid down the guidelines on media appearances for all public office holders in the state.
This is contrary to the information being circulated on some online media platforms earlier on Friday, which suggests that the governor that state government had banned some political appointees ranging from the SSG, HoS, CoS, Commissioners, SSAs and SAs, from speaking to journalists and media houses without approval.
According to the guidelines contained in a circular letter sent to all officials of the state government on 24th September, 2020, public office holders must only participate in media appearances restricting them to issues affecting their Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The circular added that “they must not appear on crossfire or confrontational programs.”
The circular reads:
“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.
“Honourable Commissioners, Director Generals, Chairmen of Boards/Parastatals and State Government spokespersons that engage in media appearances must restrict them to issues affecting their Ministries, Departments and Agencies. They must not appear on 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 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 flxible.
“It is important for all acted Government officials to comply with these guidelines order to prevent embarrassment to their persons and the State Government.”
