The appointment of Daniel Bwala as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokesperson has sparked controversy among the president’s supporters, with prominent figures such as Jesutega Onokpasa voicing their discontent. Onokpasa criticized Tinubu for appointing Bwala, a former loyalist of Atiku Abubakar, who had previously been critical of the president, even going as far as labeling him a “drug dealer.”
Speaking on Arise News from 5:00, Bwala’s legal representative, Emmanuel Anene, defended the president’s decision, emphasizing that Tinubu prioritized competence and communication skills over unwavering loyalty.
“Mr. President is looking for somebody to articulate and market his policies to Nigerians. At this point, he’s not looking for just a supporter; he’s looking for someone who can effectively communicate his vision,” Anene stated.
He recounted how Tinubu, during his first year in office, recognized the need for better communication of his policies to the public. According to Anene, this realization led to a “soul-searching” process that culminated in Bwala’s selection.
IN HIS WORDS;
“He said he’s a supporter of Mr President. Mr President is looking for somebody, somebody to articulate and market his policies to Nigerians. He’s not looking for a supporter at this point. He’s looking for somebody that’d communicate his policies effectively to Nigerians. Remember, when Mr President was doing one year in office.
“Part of the conversation then was that they were telling people enough and There are people in Government. Mr President started a soul searching, looking for somebody that’ll market his policies and he found that in Bwala. He said he doesn’t want the appointment and somebody who wants the appointment said I’m here and Mr President offered the appointment to him, so what’s his problem”