Dispute Over Presidential Communication Team Roles
The Nigerian presidency has been caught in a wave of confusion following recent announcements regarding the official spokesperson for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. On Monday, Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser on Policy Communications, declared himself as the presidential spokesman—a role previously held by Ajuri Ngelale.
Bwala’s Announcement
During a briefing with State House correspondents, Bwala mentioned that he had assumed the position formerly occupied by Ngelale, asserting his new status as the primary voice for the President’s communications. He emphasized that his main objective was to promote Tinubu’s agenda, downplaying any potential rivalry or ambiguity regarding roles within the administration.
Bwala stated, “There is no confusion regarding responsibilities; each person knows their specific duty. My focus is to support the President’s mandate without overshadowing anyone.”
Onanuga’s Response
However, the announcement sparked a reaction from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, who countered Bwala’s claim later that evening. Onanuga clarified that President Tinubu does not have a single spokesperson, highlighting a shift from previous practices.
In his statement, Onanuga revealed that the President had reorganized his communication team to include three spokespersons instead of just one, enhancing the efficiency and clarity of government messaging. He further explained that Bwala’s role had been redefined as Special Adviser on Policy Communications, not Media and Public Communications, which had initially been assigned to him.
Changes in Media Roles
Onanuga outlined the revised positions within Tinubu’s media team:
- Sunday Dare – Now Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, previously focused on Public Communication and National Orientation.
- Daniel Bwala – Reassigned to Special Adviser on Policy Communications.
Onanuga emphasized that this new structure ensures that all three Special Advisers—Dare, Bwala, and himself—will function collectively as spokespeople for the presidency. The objective is to maintain a unified and effective communication strategy for conveying government policies and decisions.
Largest Media Team in Nigerian History
Naija News reports that President Tinubu has assembled an extensive media team, regarded as the largest in Nigeria’s history. The team includes over a dozen political appointees, excluding the civil servants who traditionally handle communication duties.
Stay updated with Nigeria Times News for further developments on Nigeria’s political landscape and communication dynamics within the presidency.
