Tag: Bwala

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has dismissed claims by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of colluding with France to destabilize Niger. 

Bwala described the allegations as baseless propaganda, designed to create chaos and incite bad blood in northern Nigeria against President Tinubu.

“The choice of language used by the military leader of Niger is quite instructive of what his intentions are, probably in cahoots with politicians in Nigeria, you never know, but the whole idea is to create chaos and bad blood in the northern Nigeria against the President,” Bwala said in a video message posted on his verified X account on Friday.

Bwala criticized General Tchiani’s comments, describing them as a desperate attempt to distract from the challenges facing his regime. 

“The honeymoon is over; he has not been able to address the economic situation in his country. Everything is turning against him, and in a desperate gasp for breath, he decided to resort to cheap lies and propaganda against Nigeria,” he stated.

He emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding leadership role in West Africa and its commitment to fostering bilateral relations with neighboring countries. 

“Over the years, Nigeria has maintained its leadership in the West African sub-region… We have been of tremendous help to our neighboring countries,” he added.

Read Also: Bwala: Tinubu qualified, competent to run again in 2027

Addressing the allegations directly, Bwala categorically denied that Nigeria had ever provided land for a foreign military base. 

“Nigeria is a nation that has its own capacity to protect its citizens… We are well capable and able to safeguard our country, and we’re doing it in this administration,” he affirmed.

He urged Nigerians to disregard Tchiani’s claims, labeling them as false and divisive. 

“It is lies, and he chose a local language in the North because he wants to rile up the North against the President. I don’t think any politician in Nigeria who has absolute interest in the national interest and security of Nigeria will ever take part in that kind of negative rhetoric,” Bwala asserted.

Concluding his statement, Bwala called Tchiani’s comments a reflection of his regime’s failure to govern effectively. 

“It is becoming clear that the honeymoon he had with his people is over. He probably doesn’t have a plan for his people and has resorted to that cheap blackmail. It is false, and nobody should take him seriously,” he said.

The federal government, through Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had earlier refuted the Nigerien leader’s allegations. 

Newly appointed Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Daniel Bwala, resumed duty at the State House on Monday, November 18, addressing public criticism regarding his new role.

Speaking to journalists at the State House during a familiarization briefing, the new presidential spokesman emphasised the importance of focus amidst distractions.

Bwala, who was spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential campaign, said his appointment is about supporting the President’s administration rather than personal interests, reiterating his commitment to the administration’s goals.

According to him, “In life, generally, you look at focus. When you are focused on a thing, you are going to be faced with distraction. Your character will be determined by how you conduct yourself in the case of carrying out the information.

“It’s about the government. It’s about the president. It’s about his administration. It’s not about Bwala and because these things have been trashed before, I don’t want to feed the negative energy that is obviously sponsored by some elements who think that by doing so, you can gaslight the President. The President is committed, and we are committed to the force of the President, so I won’t feed into that energy.”

Bwala’s appointment has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from Senator Ali Ndume, who praised Tinubu for demonstrating inclusivity but urged Bwala to apologise to Vice President Kashim Shettima for past criticisms regarding Shettima’s selection as running mate. Ndume remarked, “This gesture deserves serious applause,” yet he emphasised the need for unity within the party.

In response to Ndume’s comments, Bwala noted his strong relationship with Shettima, saying his attention was drawn to what the Senator from Borno said: “I immediately contacted the vice president… we all cracked jokes about that.”

He maintained that his focus remains on fulfilling the president’s mandate and urged critics to concentrate on the administration’s work.

He said: “Ordinarily I would not have responded to this issue, because when I was referred to what he said, I immediately contacted the vice president. We all cracked jokes about that. I have a very fantastic relationship with the Vice President, which even started before the judgment of the court was delivered regarding the matter.

“The relationship started, or rather became stronger, in the build-up to the emergence of leadership of the National Assembly. And since then, we’ve been having a very good relationship, but I know that the senator in question is having some troubled times, all I can say is that we need to pray for him, for God to guide and help but we are focused on the work of the President. It’s not about Bwala it’s about the president.”

Read Also: Tinubu has large heart to appoint Bwala, says Ndume

Asked to define his role as there are other two special advisers on media and communication, Bwala reiterated that his role is not about defining others’ responsibilities but about collaborating effectively within the administration. “We are working to achieve the mandate of Mr. President,” he said.

Bwala explained: “What I can tell you is that, like I said, all of us are servants of the president. There is no issue as to the differences in terms of the responsibility. Everybody knows his responsibility. I am not here to define the responsibility of anybody other than myself, because it will amount to gaslighting others.

“I only came to introduce myself to you and the role that was given to me by Mr President, I told you that role was once occupied by Ajuri Ngelale but for God’s sake we are all colleagues. We are not particularly bothered about who is this who is that. We are working to achieve the mandate of Mr President”, he said.

A former aide to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Daniel Bwala, has come under attack following his recent comment concerning the security apparatus under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Bwala in his comment suggested that the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, should be sacked by the President for allegedly allowing avoidable errors that, he said led to the seizure of the military armoured vehicle by bandits in Zamfara State.

On his verified X handle, Bwala said: “If this perceived lack of cooperation between the air force and army continues, where we see schoolboy errors resulting in ragtag bandits taking our armoured vehicles and munitions, then both ministers of Defence may need to be shown the door out. No sentiments.”

Meanwhile, leaders of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), Yerima Shettima and Comrade Eric Oluwole described Bwala’s position as unfounded and diversion from the real challenges that plague the Northern region and Nigeria.

The AYCF and YYC leaders in their separate statements reminded the Vice President’s aide of his positions during the recent electoral cycle, saying that, his open opposition to the Tinubu candidacy and his support for Atiku Abubakar positioned him on the other side of the political divide.

Read Also: Lawan donates N30m to flood victims in Yobe

They queried that, where exactly was Mr. Bwala when the electorate strongly endorsed President Tinubu’s vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria?

“His sudden shift to become a self-styled supporter of this administration raises eyebrows about his motivations and credibility, Shettima and Oluwole stated.

They further stressed: “It is imperative for stakeholders in our political landscape to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to unfounded attacks on individuals who are collectively working towards the primary goal of securing the North. Ministers Badaru and Matawalle have made significant strides in addressing the unique security challenges that our region faces.

“We commend their efforts and encourage their continued service in cracking down on insecurity, which remains a pressing concern for all northerners. Furthermore, we take exception to Mr. Bwala’s thinly veiled ambition as he appears to be attempting to usurp the narrative for his own gain.

“We remember his earlier declaration about aspiring to hold the position of Mr Ngilari, which could have influenced his harsh rhetoric against established leaders who are dedicated to the safety and advancement of our communities”.

The AYCF said, Bwala’s motives come into question when juxtaposed with the realities faced by the North, which requires unity and cooperation rather than divisive political machinations.

“As representatives of the northern youth, we express concern over any attempts to undermine President Tinubu’s administration through baseless criticisms. The ongoing initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security in the region deserve the support of all stakeholders, including critiquing voices.

“It is precisely this spirit of collaboration towards a common goal that we hope Mr. Bwala can embrace rather than spiral into personal grievances. We caution President Tinubu to be wary of allowing such individuals to undermine his reputation and initiatives within the North.

“The youth of Arewa stand firmly behind those in positions of leadership who are genuinely focused on the security and welfare of our people. Our collective will is directed towards recovery and proactive measures that can only be realized through steadfast leadership and dialogue, eschewing the toxicity of political opportunism.

“We urge Mr. Bwala to redirect his energies to addressing his self-created challenges and refrain from disparaging ministers who are striving to create a safer, more secure north. The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum remains committed to holding accountable not only public officials for their responsibilities but also those who would seek to mislead the public or distract from crucial efforts underway,” the statement stressed.

Mr Daniel Bwala, former spokesman for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, paid a solidarity visit to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

Speaking to State House Correspondents, Bwala said he visited the President to show solidarity for what he was doing to address some of the concerns of the Nigerians.

“If you see some of the issues the people planning to protest are raising, they talk about hunger in the land, lack of transportation; minimum wage for the workers, and Mr President has taken good steps.

“He has agreed to a minimum wage, which is now a law. We have seen the release of the truckloads of food to the Nigerian people, and in the coming days more are going to be done in that regard,” he said.

He said the planned protest, to a large extent, had the element of politics.

“Everybody in Nigeria acknowledges that there is suffering and the suffering did not start last year.

“There is no reform that is easy. Go to Brazil, any part of the world, if you’re going to do reform, it is not going to be easy.

“It means that all of us will have to readjust, but the role of the government when initiating reform is to bring about intervention, which is what the President is doing,” said Bwala.

He said the Local Government Autonomy recently granted by the Supreme Court was the masterstroke because it had taken governance to the grassroots.

“So, I came to celebrate, encourage and show our solidarity and encourage the Nigerian people to rally round the President.

“We have only one President, and to me patriotism is defending the leader, patriotism is showing support and ensuring that we push the development of this country.

“What is exciting for me in all of this situation is that the President has a firm grasp of what is going on in the country, the sufferings of the Nigerian people, and he has shown that concern,” he said.

He said he had officially left the  Peoples Democratic Party and was making plans to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Read Also: Ali Ndume, the rant of an expert in grandstanding, by Daniel Bwala 

“So, yes, I’m on my way to APC and that is where I have always belonged.

“Remember, I had been in APC for eight years, from the days of President Buhari.

“I left because of differences but I’m back, and this time it is not about party, is about us coming together as a country to make sure that the country not only survives, that it is on a good trajectory.

“When that time for politics comes, those who are there will do. But I’m fully committed to President Bola Tinubu and in the coming days I will do my official re-entry to APC,” he said.

(NAN)

A former spokesman for the Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala, has said the only chance Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections has to become President is in 2039.

He said this in a post on his official X page on Monday.

Bwala said President Bola Tinubu will have to finish his two terms with power returning to the north for another eight years.

The former spokesperson said power will return to the south in 2039.

Bwala wrote: “@PeterObi only stands the chance to be Nigerian president from 2039 when he will clock 79, or above 79 years.

Read Also: Tinubu can govern the country from anywhere – Bwala

“By then his message would no longer be “vote me because I am the younger of the candidates” but it will be “vote me because age doesn’t matter but capacity.”

“The reason is @officialABAT will finish his two terms, then power would come to the north for another 8 years, before it goes to the south.

“The e-rodents who keep shouting “we are the youth” by then would be saying “we are the elders”. Blessed week ahead.”

Daniel Bwala, a former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign in the February 2023 presidential election, has called on all political appointees of the Tinubu administration, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and others to not shy away from openly supporting the president.

He said this in a post on his X page.

Bwala wrote: “If you are a supporter of @officialABAT, or you are his appointee in whatever capacity, or you are a member of his party @OfficialAPCNg or you are a believer of his vision, or a lover of Nigeria, this is the time to come out and speak for him in appealing to Nigerians to be patient in these hard times of reform agenda. There are enough facts and figures to support his efforts.

“Stop the ducking and dodging because of possible backlash, insults, and criticisms. True loyalty is defined by sacrifices and commitment. No glory without story; no gain without pain. We are all patriotic citizens in this effort together.

“The truth is there is no money to defend the naira and subsidy at the same time. There is an economic angle to IMF policy that advocates for “strong country ownership” meaning tele-guide the implementation to suit your local circumstances and not to be bullied by IMF; which explains why part subsidy is returned.

Read Also: Tinubu is working to improve economy, be hopeful, Bwala tells Nigerians

“Citizens are encouraged to call out any area of corruption and mismanagement in governance affairs, PBAT is ready to take action against any person found culpable.

“Companies and Organizations benefiting from tax breaks are called upon to contribute monies, food, and healthcare needs at these difficult times to the vulnerable of the society because the times are really hard.

“There is enough evidence about countries that had a somewhat downward trend because of these types of reforms and bounced back. We shall bounce back people; stay hopeful.”