It was gathered that the newly appointed Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Daniel Bwala, has denied lobbying for his position.
Bwala, who previously served as a spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council, clarified this on Monday during an appearance on a television interview.
When asked about his appointment, Bwala stated that he had no insight into why President Bola Tinubu selected him but speculated it could be linked to his prior commitment to the President’s cause during the All Progressives Congress primaries.
He said, “No, I didn’t lobby. The last time I was here, I told you when I met him (President) that I had made up my mind to support his cause.
“Since that January after I appeared on your programme, I have been doggedly pursuing that cause. Maybe he saw that and also saw the commitment in it. But it is something that the President knows I have loved, and still love when I supported him in the primaries.
“Whatever was his consideration is what I don’t know. But I know that the honour that the President bestowed on me is what I am very grateful for. I am also very committed to ensuring I don’t disappoint Mr President and the Nigerian people.”
Bwala resumed work at the State House on Monday.
During a familiarisation briefing with journalists, he emphasised the need for focus despite distractions in his new role.
He also stated that he will never rub shoulders with Bayo Onanuga..
He described Onanuga as an elder statesman, saying he can never be drawn into a position where he will rub shoulders with him.
Onanuga is Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, to President Tinubu.
Tinubu maintains a retinue of other media aides, apart from Onanuga and Bwala.
“Bayo Onanuga is an elder statesman. He’s a very brilliant journalist who has had his records. We are happy he’s leading us, he’s a leader. I’m happy for him to lead. I haven’t been told but I’m happy for him to lead. Because he’s an elder, I will respect him. And he has his own record. he has served Nigeria well. He has a proven record as a journalist.
“I can never be drawn into a position where I will rub shoulders with him. I doff my cap for him. My own is, if he says ‘go and carry that table’ I will just do so; that’s my job. It’s not about title,” Bwala said.
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