By Musa Tanko Muhammad
In public communication, intention alone is never enough. Equally important is perception. A message may be written with sincerity, approved through the proper channels, and intended to promote goodwill, yet the way it is interpreted by the public can generate reactions far beyond the writer’s expectations.
This is why communicators, journalists, public relations practitioners, and public servants must constantly remind themselves that words are powerful.
Indeed, the same pen that builds a reputation can also destroy it.
This reality recently played out following a press release issued during the Eid el-Kabir celebration concerning a welfare package approved by the Kano State Government for workers on Grade Levels 01 to 14.
The statement, officially approved by the government, was intended to put smiles on the faces of civil servants within the specified category during the festive season.
More importantly, the gesture was not entirely new. It had existed in the past but was suspended for many years under successive administrations.
Its reintroduction by the present administration therefore came as a welcome development to many workers who had long lost hope of benefiting from such support again.
Naturally, the intention of the release was not to create division but to inform beneficiaries and commend the government for reviving a policy considered beneficial to the workforce.
However, as often happens in public communication, reactions soon followed.
Several senior officers, particularly directors and other staff members above the specified grade levels, made phone calls seeking clarification on why the intervention was limited to officers on Grade Levels 01 to 14.
Some initially viewed the exclusion with concern. Yet, after explanations were provided regarding the nature and scope of the gesture, many of them showed understanding.
Rather than condemning the effort, they appreciated the Executive Governor for taking the initiative to revive a long-abandoned welfare package and even offered prayers for the success of the administration.
Unfortunately, amid the widespread understanding and appreciation from many quarters, criticism emerged from an unexpected source.
A prominent member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), whose influence extends even to the national level, questioned the rationale behind excluding officers on Grade Level 15 and above from the announcement.
The concern raised suggested that the communication could be interpreted as selective and capable of creating a sense of exclusion within the civil service.
While every professional opinion deserves respect, the episode once again exposed the fragile and sensitive nature of public communication.
It demonstrated that no matter how well-intentioned a statement may be, public interpretation can vary widely depending on individual perspectives and interests.
This is where the responsibility of the communicator becomes critical.
A public statement must not only convey information; it must also anticipate possible reactions, misunderstandings, and implications.
Every word, every omission, and every emphasis matters.
In a society where public perception can quickly shape narratives, communicators must exercise caution, balance, and strategic thinking at all times.
The incident also raises a broader point about governance and public appreciation.
In an environment where positive government actions are often overlooked, efforts aimed at improving workers’ welfare—especially initiatives revived after years of suspension—deserve encouragement.
Constructive criticism remains important in a democratic setting, but it should not overshadow commendable efforts capable of restoring hope and boosting morale among citizens.
Equally commendable was the maturity displayed by many affected senior officers who, despite their initial reservations, chose understanding over agitation after receiving clarification.
Such responses reflect the spirit of unity and collective responsibility necessary for institutional growth and social harmony.
Ultimately, the lesson from this episode is both simple and profound: communicators must be mindful of the enormous power of words.
A single statement can strengthen trust or weaken it. It can inspire confidence or provoke controversy. It can unite people or unintentionally create division.
For anyone privileged to speak or write on behalf of government, institutions, or the public, wisdom must always accompany expression.
Before any statement is released, the following questions should be asked: Will this communication achieve its intended purpose? Could it be misunderstood? Does it sufficiently acknowledge positive efforts? Does it promote unity rather than resentment?
These questions are necessary because once words enter the public domain, they can no longer be fully controlled or retrieved.
The enduring truth therefore remains: beware, your pen can make you or mar you.
Musa Tanko Muhammad is a Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kano