Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has announced himself as the new presidential spokesman.
There had been some confusion as Bayo Onanuga, designated as special adviser on communication and strategy, had been the presidential spokesman since the exit of Ajuri Ngelale, who was special adviser on media and publicity.
Onanuga also moved to the office previously occupied by Ajuri at the presidential villa.
But in a tweet yesterday, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesman.
Also in an interaction with State House correspondents yesterday, Bwala, former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar's presidential campaign in 2023, rejected claims that his appointment was down to pecuniary gains.
He emphasised the importance of staying focused on the larger goals of the Tinubu administration, despite the distractions that often accompanied public office.
Bwala, who noted that the negative reactions to his appointment were motivated by external forces trying to undermine the President, said: "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.
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"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."
Asked about his role in the administration, Bwala reiterated that his focus was solely on supporting Tinubu's agenda. He also acknowledged the role of his predecessor, Ngelale, but said his main concern was not to define or overshadow the responsibilities of others within the administration.
"There is no issue as to the differences in terms of the responsibility; everybody knows his responsibility. 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."
Recall that Bwala's appointment had drawn mixed reactions, including that 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 had 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, maintaining that his focus remained on fulfilling the President's mandate and urged critics to concentrate on the administration's work.
