A Daniel Bwala Has Come to Judgment

A former aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Daniel Bwala did not bargain for what he received last Monday when he resumed duties after being announced as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications.

The announcement of his appointment as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications at the State House, had left many wondering on who would lead the president’s information management team with Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, already acting the position.

Onanuga had been doing the job, issuing statements and making pronouncements on behalf of the president since the exit of Ajuri Ngelale, who was Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

 In September, Ngelale resigned, citing health reasons.

On his first day at the State House, Bwala met with correspondents and expressed his commitment to remain focused, despite potential criticisms. 

He clarified his role, saying, “I came to introduce myself and the responsibilities assigned to me by Mr. President.”

He elaborated on the nature of his responsibilities, explaining to journalists that he replaced Ngelale as the official spokesman of President Tinubu.

But to Bwala’s apparent shock, a few minutes after, Onanuga announced the re-designation of Bwala as Special Adviser on Policy Communication to the president — which implied that he would operate away from the Presidential Villa.

According to Onanuga ‘s statement, Mr. Sunday Dare, who was Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation, is now Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications.

 “Mr. Daniel Bwala – announced last week as Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication, is now Special Adviser Policy Communication,” Onanuga added 

Contrary to Bwala’s claim, Onanuga stressed that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency and that all the three Special Advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.

There are strong indications  that Bwala would be speaking for the Office of Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, headed by Hadiza Bala Usman, rather than the president.

 Many Nigerians believe that Bwala’s new designation was a demotion.