The announcement of self by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, as the new presidential spokesman on Monday has sparked reactions.
Bwala stated that he has taken over the role of former presidential aide Ajuri Ngelale, who was Tinubu’s official spokesperson.
However, some reports noted that there had been some confusion as Bayo Onanuga, designated as special adviser on Information and Strategy, had been the presidential spokesman since the exit of Ngelale Ajuri, who was special adviser on media and publicity.
But on Monday, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesman.
Bwala said during a press briefing, “There is no issue as to the differences in terms of 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.”
However, in a statement released late on Monday night, Onanuga stated that there is no single spokesperson for President Tinubu.
According to him, the president appointed three spokespersons against the previous arrangement where Ajuri Ngelale acted alone.
His statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery.
The restructuring is as follows:
“1. Mr. Sunday Dare – hitherto Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation, is now Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications.
“2. Mr. Daniel Bwala – announced last week as Special Adviser, Media, and Public Communication, is now special adviser of Policy Communication.
These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency.
“Instead, all the three Special Advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.
“This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.”
Netizens have reacted to the confusion via social media.
An X.com user, # DrMooh, commenting on the issue, said, “The so-called media owners are still confused on how to structure the media team, almost 2 years on: one role split into three with vague jd’s, plus additional assistants and the Ministry of Info. Cutting cost of governance indeed!”
Another user voicing his opinion said, “Them don knack @BwalaDaniel akpako !!!! He was busy deriding @aonanuga1956 on @channelstv a few hours ago. He should have asked @AjuriNgelale how that old man @aonanuga1956 ousted him from being the presidential spokesperson and learn from it.”
#MichealZucci also wrote, “Daniel Bwala needs to visit Channels TV again to talk about his role as SA Media and Public Communication. His job has been given to someone else. Lol.”
Still reacting, #DanielWhales said, “Lol. Conundrum. While tinkering with job titles. Ensure the overall team objective is not thrown under the bus. Hope this won’t be a very long bumpy ride. Daniel and lion’s den na 5 and 6.”
#FemiYekinni also said, “Three persons speaking for the president will achieve the exact opposite of what is intended (as referenced above) You cannot get the same explanation of a simple policy question by three persons. These roles and their nomenclatures are not well thought out. 1 CPS & Directors ok.”
