- Daniel Bwala addressed backlash over his Al Jazeera interview with Mehdi Hasan, saying past criticisms of Bola Tinubu were made while he was in the opposition
- He explained the programme had not informed him the interview would focus on his previous statements, noting he had expected discussions on security, the economy and corruption
- Bwala expressed readiness for future interviews, citing admiration for Mehdi Hasan and emphasising that political rivals can later serve together in government
The Special Adviser on Media and Policy Communication to Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has responded to the backlash that followed his recent interview with broadcaster Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Bwala addressed the criticisms that trailed the interview, explaining that his past comments critical of Tinubu were made while he was in the political opposition and should be viewed in that context.
The presidential aide said the reactions on social media over the past 24 hours had been intense, prompting him to clarify the circumstances surrounding the interview and his earlier political stance.
“In the last 24 hours, social media has exploded over my interview with Mehdi Hassan, albeit with varied opinions. Let me set the record straight,” Bwala said.
He stated that when he accepted the appointment to serve in the Tinubu administration, he was fully aware of the responsibilities that came with the role, including defending government policies in public engagements.
According to him, appearing on challenging platforms and confronting critical questions about the government is part of his duty.
“The task of promoting and defending the President and his administration is what I do with ease and joy. 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,” he said.
Bwala also claimed that the programme, Head to Head, did not inform him beforehand that questions would focus on his past statements criticising the President. He said the interview request had initially indicated that the discussion would centre on issues such as security, the economy and corruption.
“Nowhere in our almost six months of communication did they mention that they were going to challenge my past. If that had been their plan, ethically and professionally, they were supposed to inform me so I could prepare my response,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Bwala maintained that his previous criticisms of Tinubu were simply part of political contestation while he was aligned with the opposition.
“It is all politics,” he said, noting that political rivals sometimes later work together in government.
He cited the example of Donald Trump, saying several members of the former United States president’s cabinet had previously criticised him before eventually serving in his administration.
Bwala further suggested that many of those criticising him were members or supporters of opposition parties who were exploiting the situation for political advantage.
He expressed appreciation to supporters who commended what he described as his “brave defence” of the administration during the interview.
The presidential aide also revealed that there could be a second instalment of the interview with Hasan, saying he looked forward to a continuation of the debate.
“I still have admiration and respect for Mehdi Hassan as arguably the best debater on the planet. I look forward to part two of the Head to Head interview,” he said.
Bwala added that he hoped future discussions would focus more on the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration rather than on his past political statements.