Interrogating Public Sector Communication System in the Context of Democratisation of Governance in Nigeria’s Kwara State, 2015-2019

Abstract

In a world filled with diminishing public trust in government, the role of public sector communication (PSC) cannot be underestimated. Therefore, this study critically examined the components of the PSC system and its main subjects during the second term administration of Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed in Kwara State from 2015 to 2019. The study also interrogated how stakeholders, including journalists, Public Relations practitioners, and civil society organisation, fit into PSC during the period in focus. The study adopted Democratic-Participant Media theory as its theoretical framework. The reason is that the theory underscores the importance of a pluralistic media landscape in creating awareness and promoting public engagement with democratically elected governments. To achieve the set objectives, the study used key informant interviews (KIIs) to obtain qualitative data from key stakeholders, including media aides appointed by the selected administration, among others listed in the research objectives. Data from the KIIs were presented and analysed thematically with the aid of DeepSeek and Grok AI tools. It was found that despite the robust PSC system of the selected administration, it failed to match its words with actions regarding the overall wellbeing of the citizenry. The study, therefore, recommends that successive administrations in the state should operate a genuine PSC system for all-inclusive governance.