By Reverend Leo Olu-Martins, the Lead Pastor, HillCity Church, Benin
I am extremely disappointed that the interview was pre-recorded and not live, yet it was presented to the public the way it was.
It is alarming that Senator Monday Okpebholo’s media aides watched the recording and deemed it suitable for public consumption.
They should be held accountable for their negligence and for the embarrassment the video is now causing the State and the government.
Barrister Osarodion Ogie once stated that it is not the duty of the governor’s aides to advise him, but rather to ensure that the outcome of his actions is always positive.
He illustrated this point by saying that if a governor wants to jump from an eight-story building, his aides should not dissuade him, but instead, ensure that he is not injured after the fall even if they have to buy all the mattresses.
In this scenario, if the embarrassing video was the governor’s decision to take a “risk”, his aides’ responsibility was to mitigate the damage.
The widespread criticism and backlash from the video demonstrate the failure of his media handlers. Was there no pre-interview preparation or dress rehearsal?
Furthermore, was there no supervision of the production and editing process before the final release? I am perplexed and concerned that individuals would deliberately put their principal in harm’s way, by exposing them to public ridicule.
Even if the intention was to divert attention from the Presco Oil debacle, were there no more humane and topical issues to discuss that would evoke empathy? Releasing a video in which the governor engages in political discussions at a time when national security and protection of lives and property are paramount is questionable.
Even President Tinubu has prioritized security and territorial fortifications over politics. I am beginning to wonder if Governor Monday Okpebholo is surrounded by incompetent individuals or saboteurs.
Either way, it reflects poorly on his image management and brand projection.
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