05/05/2026
I don’t usually post long commentaries, but this situation deserves attention.
At the MUPH 2026 coronation, a major technical issue occurred when three microphones failed during a critical part of the program. Reports say this led to Mr. Gafud, the national director, throwing his phone at a staff member out of frustration.
Let’s separate the issues clearly.
The technical team made a significant mistake. In high-profile events, there is no room for oversight when it comes to equipment. Proper checks, rehearsals, and backup systems are basic expectations. A failure like this disrupts the flow of the program and reflects poorly on everyone involved. It’s something that should be addressed seriously—through evaluation, accountability, and improvement.
However, no mistake—no matter how big—deserves a violent reaction.
What happened next is far more concerning. Throwing an object at a staff member is not discipline, it is aggression. It sends the wrong message about leadership and professionalism. Pressure is part of the job, especially in events of this scale, but how a leader responds under pressure defines their character.
Moments like this call for control, not outbursts.
A leader’s role is to manage crises, not escalate them. While the technical failure was visible, the reaction that followed left a deeper and more lasting impression. It affected not only the staff involved but also how the entire organization is perceived by the public.
At the end of the day, systems can fail—but respect and professionalism should not.
