‘I’m here to support the president’s mandate’ — Daniel Bwala speaks on new appointment

Daniel Bwala, special adviser on public communications and media to President Bola Tinubu, has spoken on the backlash that trailed his appointment.

In an interaction with State House correspondents on Monday, Bwala, a former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign in 2023, rejected claims that his appointment was down to pecuniary gains.

Bwala emphasised the importance of staying focused on the larger goals of the Tinubu administration despite the distractions that often accompany public office.

Bwala said the negative reactions to his appointment were motivated by external forces trying to undermine the president.

“In life, generally, you look at focus. When you are focused on a thing, you are going to be faced with distraction,” he said.

“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.”

Asked about his role in the administration, Bwala reiterated that his focus is solely on supporting Tinubu’s agenda.

Bwala also acknowledged the role of his predecessor, Ajuri Ngelale, but said his main concern is not to define or overshadow the responsibilities of others within the administration.

“We are working to achieve the mandate of Mr. President. What I can tell you is that, all of us are servants of the president,” Bwala said.

“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.”