A coalition of northern political figures, security experts and leading media practitioners has commended the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, for appointing Comrade Salihu Dantata Mahmud as special assistant on media and publicity.
The appointment has been described as a strategic move aimed at strengthening public communication and deepening trust between the Ministry of Works, the media, and civil society.
Comrade Salihu, a respected grassroots communicator and former media aide to the Minister of Interior, was hailed as the right choice by members of the Kwankwasiyya political movement and other regional stakeholders.
Speaking on the development, Asiwaju Moshood Shittu, a top member of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former National Chairman of the defunct Alliance National Party, stated:
“This is a timely and commendable appointment. Salihu is a grounded media strategist with a strong connection to the people. Hon. Goronyo’s decision reflects both competence and sensitivity to the grassroots.”
Support also came from Abokan Liberty, a prominent Liberty TV support group, who praised the minister for entrusting the role to a media personality with proven integrity and public engagement skills.
In a similar vein, veteran journalist Nasiru Gwangwazo, editor of Manhaja and Hausa Blueprint, and Halima AbdulRauf of Voice of America, applauded the appointment, calling it a “bridge between government policies and the everyday Nigerian.”
Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Baba Alhaji, described the move as “a step in the right direction,” particularly in a ministry as critical as Works.
“Salihu brings not just media experience, but insight into public safety and development communication,” he noted.
Observers say the appointment signals Hon. Goronyo’s intention to carry all sectors along in the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Stakeholders also used the opportunity to commend President Tinubu for appointing leaders like Goronyo who, they said, “have not forgotten their political and cultural roots.”
The coalition expressed confidence that such appointments will enhance transparency, improve policy communication, and build public confidence in government infrastructure programmes.
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