443
By Lizzy Chirkpi
A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr Phrank Shaibu, has criticised presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala over his recent interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan, saying the appearance exposed contradictions in Bwala’s past and present positions.
Shaibu, who serves as Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, made the remarks in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.
His reaction follows the controversy that trailed Bwala’s interview with Hasan, which sparked mixed reactions online and in political circles, with critics questioning the presidential aide’s defence of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In the statement, Shaibu accused Bwala of distorting facts and displaying what he described as a pattern of political opportunism.
According to him, the interview did not demonstrate the bold defence Bwala had claimed but instead highlighted inconsistencies between his previous criticisms of the government and his current role as a spokesperson for the administration.
“What Nigerians saw was not a fearless defence of government policy, but a spokesman struggling to reconcile his past statements with his present position,” Shaibu said.
The Atiku aide also alleged that Bwala had previously approached the Atiku media team, requesting that they issue a statement suggesting that associates of President Tinubu were threatening his life. Shaibu claimed the request was declined because it appeared politically motivated.
“We still have records of his message urging the Atiku media team to push the narrative that his life was under threat from Tinubu’s associates, but we refused because it appeared to be political theatre,” he said.
Shaibu further criticised Bwala for allegedly dismissing earlier criticisms of the Tinubu administration as mere politics, describing such remarks as insensitive in the face of Nigeria’s security challenges.
He added that the interview was marked by what he termed evasive responses rather than clear arguments addressing governance concerns.
“The real challenge is not appearing on global television platforms, but defending policies with facts that can withstand scrutiny,” Shaibu stated.
He also took a swipe at Bwala’s communication style during the interview, questioning his credibility while accusing him of making avoidable language errors.
Shaibu concluded that attempts to portray the interview as a triumph would not stand the test of time, insisting that “history keeps records.”
Bwala had earlier stirred debate on social media after responding to criticism surrounding the interview and defending his performance, which drew varied reactions from political commentators and members of the public.
While responding to critiques the presidential aide noted: “The last 24 hours, social media has exploded over my interview with Mehdi Hassan, albeit with varied opinions. Let me set the record straight.
“When I signed on to the privileged job granted to me by Mr. President, I was well aware of its implications. Selling ice cream, looking fine, and seeking the praises of men were never part of it. Some of the fiercest critics of my interview can not even stand local TV anchors. But the task of promoting and defending the President and his administration is what I do with ease and joy. I am prepared to appear before any interviewer, anywhere in the world, any day and at any time, to defend this government and its policies.”