Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, has defended his recent controversial interview on Al Jazeera’s Head to Head programme, saying he was fully aware of the implications of working for the President and that seeking public praise was never part of the role.
The interview, conducted by Mehdi Hasan, drew widespread criticism after Bwala appeared to deny knowledge of certain security challenges in the country and was questioned about his past criticisms of Tinubu before joining the ruling party. During the exchange, Hasan highlighted Nigeria’s worsening security situation, asking Bwala if the government was proud that the country had become the fifth deadliest in the world.
In response, Bwala acknowledged the security issues and stated that no country is entirely free from crises, while also linking some attacks to post-Christian genocide narratives. He admitted feeling uneasy when pressed about his past comments about President Tinubu and his decision to work for the administration.
On Saturday, Bwala issued a statement via his X account clarifying his position. He emphasized that defending and promoting the government is done with “ease and joy” and that he is prepared to face any interview, anywhere, at any time.
“When I signed on to the privileged job granted to me by Mr. President, I was well aware of its implications. Selling ice cream, looking fine, and seeking the praises of men were never part of it,” Bwala said.
He also addressed the controversy over his past criticism of Tinubu, noting that such political shifts are common. “Half of Donald Trump’s cabinet is made up of people who once spoke against him, and quite a number of people in our own cabinet also spoke against President Tinubu in the past. Those things do not bother him if you care to know,” Bwala wrote.
Regarding the interview itself, he criticized Hasan’s approach, claiming that many quotes cited were inaccurate or misleading, but stated he would address those discrepancies later. Bwala also dismissed the backlash from opposition members and their sympathizers, calling it temporary and inconsequential.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to Nigerians and non-Nigerians who commended his performance and expressed eagerness for a potential follow-up interview. “I still have admiration and respect for Mehdi Hasan as arguably the best debater on the planet. I look forward to part two of the Head to Head interview, and I am glad that by then questions about my past will no longer be news so that we can focus on our administration’s policies, programs and what we have achieved so far,” he said.
