“It’s All Politics” – Bwala Defends Past Remarks On Tinubu After Al Jazeera Interview

Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has reacted to the widespread reactions that followed his recent interview on Al Jazeera’s “Head to Head,” saying he is ready to defend the current administration anywhere in the world.

Bwala appeared on the programme hosted by Mehdi Hasan, where he responded to questions about the policies of the Tinubu government and statements he had previously made about the president.

The episode focused on the performance of the administration under the theme “Nigeria: ‘Renewed Hope’ or ‘Hopelessness’?”

During the discussion, Hasan confronted Bwala with old comments, video clips, and statements from the period when he supported the presidential campaign of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

At one point in the interview, the host quoted a remark allegedly made by Bwala on January 22, 2023, claiming that Tinubu had created a militia to influence the election.

In his defence, Daniel Bwala rejected the claim, insisting he never made such a statement.

Hasan also brought up other past comments credited to Bwala that were critical of Tinubu, which the presidential aide again denied.

The host further questioned the president’s commitment to fighting corruption, pointing to the appointment of Abubakar Bagudu as Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.

After videos from the interview began circulating on social media on Saturday, the exchange sparked heated debate online.

Responding in a post on X, Bwala said the intense public reaction made it necessary for him to explain his position.

“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,” he said.

He said that when he accepted the role given to him by President Tinubu, he understood that the job required him to defend government policies, even in difficult interviews or 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,” he said.

Bwala added that he has never believed in avoiding tough interviews when it comes to explaining or defending the government he serves.

“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,” Bwala said.

He also said the programme’s producers initially told him the discussion would centre on issues like security, the economy, and corruption, and that he was not informed that his past political statements would become a major focus during the interview.

The presidential aide criticised some of the questions asked during the programme, claiming that certain quotes attributed to organisations and groups were inaccurate.

“I refused to swallow the pill of Mehdi’s ‘opposition research-style journalism,’” he said, adding that some of the claims cited during the interview amounted to “outright fake news.”

Speaking about his earlier criticisms of Tinubu, Bwala said those comments were made when he belonged to the political opposition and should be understood within that context.

“It is all politics,” he said, noting that several politicians in other countries — including members of Donald Trump’s cabinet — had once criticised the leaders they later worked with.

Bwala also dismissed attacks from political opponents following the interview, saying their reactions were largely driven by political bias.

He said critics are free to appear on the same programme if they wish to defend their own ideas and policies.

Despite the controversy, Bwala thanked Nigerians and others who praised his performance during the interview.

He also expressed respect for Mehdi Hasan, describing him as one of the best debaters, saying he would welcome another opportunity to appear on the programme.

Bwala added that he hopes a future discussion would focus more on the government’s policies and achievements.

KanyiDaily recalls that Daniel Bwala expressed his belief that President Bola Tinubu is actively working towards resolving the issues facing the country