Bwala Says Past Criticism Of Tinubu Is ‘Politics’, Defends Al Jazeera Appearance
Bwala Responds to Interview Backlash
SPECIAL Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has responded to criticism that followed his recent interview on Al Jazeera, stating that he remains ready to defend the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before any interviewer anywhere in the world.
Bwala spoke on Saturday for the first time since the backlash generated by his appearance on the programme Head to Head, hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan.
In a statement addressing the reactions that followed the interview, Bwala said defending the president and his policies is a demanding responsibility but one he willingly accepted.
“In the last 24 hours, social media has exploded over my interview with Mehdi Hassan, albeit with varied opinions,” he said. “When I accepted the privileged role given to me by Mr. President, I understood the implications. Seeking praise or popularity was never part of the assignment.”
Ready to Face Any Interview
Bwala insisted that part of his role as presidential spokesman is to represent and defend the administration publicly, including in difficult or confrontational interviews.
He said he would never shy away from interviews aimed at scrutinising government policies.
“The task of promoting and defending the President and his administration is what I do with ease and joy,” he said. “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.”
According to him, some critics who attacked his performance might not themselves be comfortable facing even local television anchors.
“I have never subscribed to ducking or dodging interviews on matters concerning the administration I serve,” he added.
How the Interview Came About
Bwala also explained how he came to appear on the international programme.
He said the producers of the Head to Head show contacted him nearly six months before the interview, stating that the discussion would focus on issues relating to Nigeria’s security situation, economic challenges and corruption.
However, he claimed the interviewers did not inform him that his past criticism of President Tinubu would become a major focus of the discussion.
“Nowhere in our almost six months of communication did they mention they would challenge my past,” he said.
He argued that professional interview standards would normally require such topics to be disclosed beforehand so that a guest could prepare an appropriate response.
Nevertheless, Bwala said he remained comfortable with how he handled the exchange.
Addressing Past Criticism of Tinubu
Bwala, who had previously criticised Tinubu before joining the administration, said those remarks were made during his time in opposition politics.
He described such criticism as part of normal political competition and said it does not bother the president.
“Half of Donald Trump’s cabinet once spoke against him, and several members of President Tinubu’s cabinet also criticised him in the past,” Bwala said.
“These things do not bother President Tinubu if anyone cares to know.”
Criticism From Opposition Figures
The presidential adviser suggested that many of those criticising his interview were members of opposition parties or their supporters.
According to him, the reaction was driven more by political rivalry than genuine concern.
“The majority of the naysayers are members of the opposition and their sympathisers,” he said.
Bwala further argued that critics of the administration have yet to present clear policy alternatives for Nigerians.
“They have no path to victory and no clear programmes to offer the Nigerian people,” he said.
Looking Ahead to Future Debates
Despite the controversy surrounding the interview, Bwala said he still respects Mehdi Hasan, whom he described as one of the most formidable debaters in global media.
He expressed readiness to appear again on the programme if invited.
“I still have admiration and respect for Mehdi Hassan as arguably the best debater on the planet,” he said.
Bwala added that he looks forward to a potential second interview where discussions would focus more on the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration rather than his personal political history.
