‘I will defend Tinubu anywhere’ — Bwala addresses Al Jazeera controversy
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has responded to the reactions following his recent appearance on Al Jazeera’s Head to Head, saying he remains ready to defend the administration anywhere in the world.
Bwala appeared on the programme hosted by Mehdi Hasan, where he addressed questions on government policies and past statements he made about the president.
During the interview, which examined Tinubu’s administration under the theme “Nigeria: Renewed Hope or Hopelessness?”, Hasan confronted Bwala with past quotes and clips from his time in opposition when he was aligned with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s campaign.
The host also cited a January 22, 2023 remark in which Bwala was alleged to have said Tinubu created a militia to influence the election, a claim the aide denied. Other past criticisms of the president were also raised, prompting further denials.
The exchange sparked widespread reactions online as clips of the interview circulated on social media. In response via his media handle on Saturday, Bwala clarified his position, saying he accepted his role in government knowing it required defending policies before critical audiences.
“When I signed on to the privileged job granted to me by Mr. President, I was well aware of its implications. I am prepared to appear before any interviewer, anywhere in the world, any day and at any time, to defend this government and its policies. I have never, and will never, subscribe to ducking or dodging interviews on matters that concern promoting and defending the administration I was appointed to serve,” he wrote on X.
He added that he was not informed that his past remarks would dominate the interview and criticised aspects of the questioning style, alleging some quotes cited were inaccurate. Bwala also noted that his earlier criticisms were made in a political opposition context.
The presidential aide dismissed criticism from opponents as politically motivated, thanked those who commended his performance, and expressed interest in a follow-up appearance, hoping future discussions would focus more on Tinubu’s policies and achievements.
