There are a number of political figures whose names we often expect to appear on the news. For these personalities, the topic that brought them to the news is almost irrelevant, no matter how trivial it may seem. Once it is connected to them, it is sure to become a trending topic. In many cases, they have built a career from becoming very vocal, relatable and/or active on social media, so see them top the trends comes as no surprise.
The case was however different today, as a man you wouldn’t expect to be a subject of discussion on social media (although popular in the literary space) managed to make his way to number 2 trend on Nigerian Twitter.
Under the hashtag #WhoIsAfraidofToniKan, people took to Twitter to discuss the appointment of iconic writer and publisher, Toni Kan Onwordi as Spokesperson to Sadiya Umar Farouq, the Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
In case you’re wondering what’s happening, The whole twitter is celebrating the appointment of @tonikan11 as Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. #whoisafraidoftonikan. pic.twitter.com/6mj8J3IdBc
— iTweetAlways (@_iTweetAlways) May 26, 2020
Toni Kan is a writer, editor and PR expert with a number of publications under his belt, some of which include, short stories and other pieces of African Literature. He launched an online news platform; Sabinews, which has been praised for its credibility, ethical practices and professional delivery.
Following his appointment, it would seem that a number of people are solidly behind Toni Kan, as they took to Twitter to express their delight for Toni Kan being given an office in the ever exclusive Nigerian government club.
With his accolade and bravado for speaking up against whatever he feels is an injustice to the Nigerian people, it then becomes fairly obvious to see why this particular appointment has picked a lot of people’s interest.
It’s no secret the level of humanitarian deficiency the country is suffering. This is particularly troubling for a country that could use all the humanitarian efforts it can get owing to a vast imbalance in the social structure and poverty rate in the country. With a vocal spokesman who has never shied away from the truth, Nigerians have become a bit more expectant of transparency of government from this particular sector.
While some people expressed concern over his alleged allegiance to the opposition, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and his alleged hatred for the All Progressive Congress party (APC), others believe that his affiliation with the said party is in no way going to corrupt his character.
The problem is you’re a PDP member and cannot occupy such position as an aide to a serving minister who is an APC member!
— Ajibayo Adebayo (@Jibayo) May 26, 2020
#Naija sometimes I'm not sure we know what we want! A very capable hand is given a job, but you say because he is 'from another camp', (what does that even mean?), he should not be allowed to do it! Our journey will remain far if we don't drop this attitude. #WhoIsAfraidOfToniKan
— Ōkwóchè (@okwoche) May 26, 2020
Some merely just expressed their delight to have a highly qualified and educated person taking seat in government, something that never seems to be a criteria in Nigeria to take seat.
Toni Kan is NIPR and APCON certified. Former Editor Nigeria Monthly magazine (his first federal government appointment)#WhoIsAfraidOfToniKan pic.twitter.com/FbBpPDuYl6
— Master Lee (@dotunelias) May 26, 2020
For Chinedu Okafor, its all about making an impact with words, creating a profound impression on the audience with the intended narrative.
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