Al Jazeera Interview: Bwala says host used ‘opposition research’

Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala has responded to the controversy surrounding his recent interview on Head to Head with journalist Mehdi Hasan.

In a lengthy post on social media, Bwala said he was fully aware of the challenges that come with defending the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and insisted that facing tough interviews is part of his job.

“Selling ice cream, looking fine, and seeking the praises of men were never part of it,” Bwala wrote, stressing that his responsibility is to promote and defend the government’s policies.

Ready for Any Interview

The presidential aide said he is prepared to appear before any interviewer anywhere in the world to defend the administration.

“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,” he said.

According to him, he does not believe in avoiding media engagements on issues relating to the government he serves.

Complains About Interview Approach

Bwala also criticised the approach taken during the interview, claiming the programme did not inform him beforehand that his past criticisms of President Tinubu would be raised.

He said the show had initially indicated that the discussion would focus on security, the economy and corruption.

“Nowhere in our almost six months of communication did they mention that they were going to challenge my past,” he wrote.

The spokesman further accused the interviewer of using what he described as “opposition research-style journalism” and claimed that some quotes attributed to organisations during the interview were inaccurate.

Responds to Criticism Over Past Statements

Bwala also addressed questions about his previous criticisms of Tinubu before joining the administration.

He said political positions often change and noted that even in the United States, several officials who once criticised Donald Trump later served in his government.

“It is all politics,” he said, adding that past criticisms do not affect his commitment to defending the current administration.

Praises Mehdi Hasan Despite Clash

Despite the heated exchange during the interview, Bwala described Hasan as “arguably the best debater on the planet” and said he looks forward to a second part of the interview.

He also thanked supporters who praised what he described as his “brave defence” of the government.

“I look forward to part two of the interview so that we can focus on our administration’s policies and achievements,” he said.

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