“I Won’t Be Questioned Like a Student,” Bwala Fires Back at Arise TV Host
A fiery exchange erupted on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Tuesday when Presidential Aide Daniel Bwala clashed with anchor Rufai Oseni over his decision to join President Bola Tinubu’s government, despite his vocal opposition in the past.
The confrontation began when Oseni asked Bwala why he had aligned himself with the administration he once fiercely criticized. Bwala, visibly frustrated, shot back, “Don’t ask me questions like I’m a secondary school student,” as the conversation grew increasingly tense.
As Oseni pressed further, questioning whether Bwala’s decision was motivated by political convenience, Bwala strongly defended his actions, insisting that his choice to serve was driven by national interest, not personal gain. He explained that perspectives can evolve, and governance, in his view, is about making a meaningful impact.
“My decision to serve is based on national interest. People evolve, perspectives change, and governance is about making an impact,” Bwala explained.
Previously a critic of Tinubu, Bwala admitted that his past remarks were politically motivated as he had been a member of the opposition. He noted that his criticisms of Tinubu’s election and administration were a part of the opposition’s role in holding the government accountable. However, after meeting the president, Bwala said his views changed, and he was appointed to serve in the administration.
“I criticised Tinubu’s election and administration in the past because I was in the opposition. The opposition’s work is to criticise the sitting government. My views changed after I met the President, and he saw a need to appoint me,” Bwala explained.
Oseni continued to challenge Bwala, asking whether he had any remorse for his past comments. Bwala dismissed them as irrelevant, stating, “They are not relevant anymore,” signaling that his focus was now on his new role.
Bwala’s shift from critic to presidential aide has stirred debate, particularly given his past as a prominent spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s campaign, during which he sharply criticized Tinubu and mocked his election. Bwala had previously described Tinubu’s potential presidency as a “Night of a Thousand Laughs” and accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of election manipulation.
Despite his previous harsh criticisms, Bwala now serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy, which has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Some Nigerians have criticized him for opportunism, while others defended his right to change his stance.
The heated exchange between Bwala and Oseni sparked a wave of online reactions, with many Nigerians divided. Some supported Oseni’s tough questioning, believing journalists should hold public officials accountable, while others felt Oseni’s approach was too aggressive.
One user on X, @MezieAbi, compared Bwala to other politicians known for opportunism, stating, “Daniel Bwala is a shameless man who speaks from both sides of his mouth.” Meanwhile, another user, @anzehnangah, questioned Bwala’s integrity, saying, “What else do we need to know that these politicians have no principles or ideologies?”
However, some defended Oseni’s style, with @Palermo_seun urging journalists to remain objective in their questioning, while @sola_ogunlola backed Oseni, arguing that journalists should not be afraid to hold public figures accountable.
In the end, Bwala’s contentious interview highlights the complex world of Nigerian politics, where shifting allegiances often spark debates about integrity and political opportunism.
