Presidential media adviser Daniel Bwala has responded to the wave of reactions that followed his recent interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan, defending his performance and reiterating his commitment to promoting the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement released Saturday, Bwala addressed the intense debate that erupted on social media in the past 24 hours, saying criticism of the interview does not concern him because defending the government is part of his official duties.
Bwala, who serves as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, said he accepted the role fully aware that it would involve appearing before tough interviewers and defending the administration’s policies.
According to him, he is prepared to appear “before any interviewer, anywhere in the world” to defend the government and its programmes.
The interview was conducted on the program Head to Head, hosted by Hasan, where Bwala said the producers had initially informed him that the discussion would focus on security, the economy and corruption in Nigeria.
However, he claimed the interview took an unexpected turn when Hasan raised questions about his past political statements criticizing Tinubu. Bwala argued that the producers had not informed him beforehand that his previous comments would be scrutinized.
“If that had been their plan, ethically and professionally they were supposed to inform me so I could prepare my response,” he said.
Bwala also criticized what he described as “opposition research-style journalism,” alleging that some of the quotes attributed to organizations during the interview were inaccurate or misleading. He said he would address those issues at a later time.
Responding to criticism over his past remarks about Tinubu, Bwala said such statements were made while he was in the political opposition and should be viewed within the context of politics.
He noted that similar political reversals occur internationally, citing the example of members of the cabinet of Donald Trump who had previously criticized the former U.S. president before joining his administration.
Bwala also dismissed many of the criticisms as coming from members and supporters of opposition parties, arguing that they lack a clear vision or policy direction for Nigeria.
He encouraged critics who believe they have alternative solutions for the country to present their ideas publicly and subject them to scrutiny.
Despite the controversy, Bwala said he still respects Hasan, describing him as “arguably the best debater on the planet.” He added that he looks forward to a second part of the interview, which he hopes will focus more on the Tinubu administration’s policies and achievements.
The interview continues to generate discussion across Nigerian social media and political circles.
