Report Explains Why Tinubu Demoted Daniel Bwala as Presidential Spokesperson
- President Bola Tinubu was said to have shortlived Daniel Bwala's appointment as his special adviser on media and public communication because the latter referred to himself as his spokesperson
- Tinubu was said to have been furious with the declaration and ordered that he should be reassigned to special adviser on policy communication
- Seyi Tinubu, son of the president, was said to have influenced Bwala's appointment, just as he did for Ajuri Ngelale, who earlier resigned from his position
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Daniel Bwala's stint as President Bola Tinubu's spokesman was remarkably short, lasting just 24 hours. On November 14, Bwala was initially appointed as the president's special adviser on media and public communication, but his role was swiftly reassigned to the special adviser on policy communication.
The sudden change came after Bwala allegedly attempted to take over the office of Bayo Onanuga, the president's special adviser on information and strategy. Onanuga was away in Brazil with Tinubu for the G20 meeting.
Source: Twitter
Why Bwala was removed
According to insiders quoted by TheCable, Bwala's move was seen as an attempt to usurp Onanuga's role. President Tinubu was reportedly furious when he learned of the development and directed Onanuga to make a statement correcting the impression.
According to the report, following Tinubu's directive, Onanuga promptly issued a statement clarifying the roles within the State House media team, emphasizing that no single spokesperson for the Presidency exists.
Instead, three Special Advisers—Sunday Dare, Daniel Bwala, and Onanuga himself—will collectively serve as the government's spokespersons.
The development is considered a significant demotion for Bwala, who will now operate away from the Presidential Villa. Insiders who spoke on the matter revealed that Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, played a significant role in Bwala's appointment.
Seyi reportedly wanted a vocal spokesman who would aggressively defend the President's interests, but Bwala's attempted power grab ultimately backfired.
How Seyi Tinubu influenced president's media team
The development highlights the complex dynamics within President Tinubu's media team, which has been plagued by intrigue and power struggles since its inception. Dele Alake, a former commissioner of information and strategy in Lagos state, was initially tipped to become special adviser on media, strategy, and special Duties. However, Seyi Tinubu reportedly thwarted the appointment.
In the end, Bwala's brief tenure as spokesman has raised more questions than answers about the inner workings of President Tinubu's administration. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how Bwala will navigate his new role and how the President's media team will function in the wake of this dramatic shake-up.
Tinubu sacked PTDA boss
Legit.ng earlier reported that Tinubu sacked Chioma Ejikeme as the executive secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), whom he renewed her appointment 13 months ago.
Olugbenga Ajayi, the PTAD spokesperson, disclosed in a statement on Monday, November 18, that Tinubu had appointed Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya as her replacement.
However, Ajayi's statement did not disclose why Tinubu sacked Ejikeme as the PTAD boss.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
