General News
Bwala, Shaibu, Moghalu Trade Words After Controversial Al Jazeera Interview
A heated debate has erupted in Nigeria’s political space following a controversial television interview involving presidential media aide Daniel Bwala on the global programme Head to Head hosted by Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera.
The interview has triggered a wave of reactions from political actors and commentators, with supporters praising Bwala’s willingness to defend the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while critics argue that the exchange exposed contradictions in his political record.
Bwala Defends His Performance
In a press statement issued on March 7, Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, defended his appearance on the programme, saying he remains committed to promoting and defending the administration’s policies.
According to him, appearing before critical interviewers is part of his responsibility as a spokesperson.
Bwala said he accepted the interview, knowing it would focus on issues such as security, the economy, and corruption, but alleged that the host unexpectedly shifted the discussion to his past political statements.
He argued that the programme adopted what he described as “opposition research-style journalism” and claimed that some quotes attributed to organizations during the interview were inaccurate.
The presidential aide also addressed criticism regarding past remarks he made against President Tinubu before joining the administration.
He described the comments as part of political contestation at the time, noting that political realignments are common worldwide.
Bwala added that he remains open to future interviews and expressed respect for Hasan, whom he described as “arguably the best debater on the planet.”
Atiku Aide Fires Back
However, the statement quickly drew a sharp response from Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a separate press release titled “Weep Not for Bwala, Weep for Nigeria,” Shaibu dismissed Bwala’s defence of the interview, describing the exchange as embarrassing.
He accused Bwala of political opportunism and argued that the interview highlighted contradictions between the presidential aide’s past criticisms of the Tinubu administration and his current role defending it.
Shaibu also alleged that Bwala struggled to respond to questions during the programme and relied on dismissing criticisms as fake news rather than providing evidence.
The opposition spokesperson further argued that the episode reflected broader governance issues in Nigeria, accusing the administration of failing to adequately address insecurity and other national challenges.
Moghalu Calls Interview ‘Disastrous’
Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, also weighed in on the controversy.
Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Moghalu described the interview as a “disaster of gargantuan proportions” for Nigeria’s image internationally.
According to him, the global audience present during the programme may have formed negative impressions about the country’s political leadership and governance standards.
Moghalu also criticised what he described as a political culture driven by opportunism rather than ideology or policy, questioning the decision to appoint former critics of the government as official spokespersons.
He suggested that the focus of the discussion shifted from the administration’s policies to Bwala’s past criticisms of the same government he now represents.
Broader Political Debate
The controversy; dubbed “Bwalagate” by commentators, has sparked wider discussions on Nigeria’s political communication, credibility of government spokespersons, and the impact of international media appearances on the country’s reputation.
Supporters of the administration argue that Bwala demonstrated willingness to engage critics on a global stage, while opponents maintain that the interview highlighted weaknesses in the government’s messaging.
As reactions continue across political circles and social media, analysts say the episode underscores the intense scrutiny facing government representatives when defending policy positions before international audiences.
Whether the debate will have lasting political consequences remains uncertain, but the exchange has already become one of the most talked-about media moments in Nigeria’s political discourse this year.
General News
FERMA RESCUES OKE-OGUN ROADS: MOTORISTS HAIL REHABILITATION AS AGENCY TACKLES DECADES OF NEGLECT
Motorists and other road users have commended the Federal Road Maintenance Agency as it stepped up action on the rehabilitation of federal roads in the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State. Maintenance of the federal roads in the area was put on hold for a while due to reported cases of kidnapping, banditry and other vices. But the agency, disturbed by the reported cases of road crashes and other occurrences attributed to the deplorable state of roads in the state, resumed the rehabilitation of roads in the Oke-Ogun axis.
FERMA, at weekend, kicked off rehabilitation works on Kishi and Ago-Are/Saki roads, a project that is being executed through direct labor. The rehabilitation exercise, according to some of the motorists, would drastically reduce the reported carnage on the roads and as well reduce the cost of transporting farm produce to the various markets in the area.
A leader of the motorists, Abdulraman Maruf Abiola, commended FERMA for its decision to resume rehabilitation of federal roads in Oke-Ogun, described the intervention as a welcome development. “The state of the roads in the Oke-Ogun area is appalling. The situation has resulted in the geometric increase on the prices of commodities as well the reported cases of the crashes on the roads. The cost of transporting the farm produces to the neighboring markets, in recent times, have witnessed a geometric increase as a result of the deplorable condition of the roads. Also, most of the road crashes recorded in the area have been attributed to the deplorable condition of the roads. However, with the intervention of FERMA, there will be drastic reduction in the reported cases,” he said.
Abiola further stated that periodic rehabilitation of some of the roads in Oke-Ogun will reduce reported cases of road accident, high cost of transportation and other mishaps. He said there were other bad portions of the Kishi/Igbeti Road that needed to be fixed, and pleaded for the intervention of FERMA and other relevant agencies, both at the state and federal levels.
In his remarks, Engineer Olutunde Adepoju of FERMA, Oyo State Field Office, blamed the neglect of the federal roads in the Oke-Ogun axis on insecurity. He lamented that most of the roads being rehabilitated were constructed around 1979 and 1980, adding that they have not been adequately maintained by the users. “Maintenance is one of the things that we are lacking in anything that we do. We need to come back to that basis to ensure that all these items are being attended to at the appropriate time,” Adepoju said.
He stated that the President Bola Tinubu administration was already working on roads to ensure that things are done the way they ought to be. “The main constraint is finance and I believe that the House of Representatives Chairman on FERMA, Honourable Remi Oseni, together with all other members of the Senate Committee on FERMA are already working on how to increase the allocation given to the agency. There is nothing we can do if fund is not available and I believe that all those who are concerned are already advocating for it. We just pray that God will continue to help the president with the reform the New Hope Agenda is pursuing.”
Providing details of the ongoing work, Adepoju explained, “We are currently working at Kishi Town and the total area we are covering is about 1,110 square meters which is approximately about 111 meters of asphalt. More or less, what we are doing here is sectional repairs. Our own concern is how to make the road motorable for the community. So we have to carry out the rehabilitation of the place. Like I told you, it is a sectional repair within the corridor as you all know. From here, we will move to Ago-Are. Ago-Are axis spans from Iseyin. The total kilometer is about 306 kilometers of road. The section we are repairing currently is about 268 kilometers and our own work we have only covered approximately two kilometers that we are currently repairing.”
Tinubu Mourns Football Legend Festus Onigbinde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s football icon, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away at the age of 88.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the late coach’s family, the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, and football fans across the country.
Tinubu described Onigbinde as a respected football administrator and tactician who made remarkable contributions to the growth of the sport in Nigeria. He noted that the late coach played a pioneering role as the first indigenous coach of the Nigeria national football team in 1982 and was instrumental in promoting grassroots football development.
Under his leadership, Nigeria reached the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, a milestone that strengthened his reputation as one of the country’s most influential football figures.
The President praised Onigbinde for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for football, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of players, coaches, and sports administrators.
Tinubu also prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed and asked God to grant comfort and strength to his family and loved ones.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its partnership with the Nigerian Air Force as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known while receiving the Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke and delegation during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Amupitan said the visit underscores the strong relationship between the electoral body and the Air Force, noting that logistics and security remain critical to the successful conduct of elections in Nigeria.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its consistent support to INEC, particularly in providing airlift services and security assistance during elections across the country.
According to him, the collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring that electoral materials and personnel are delivered promptly to remote and hard-to-reach areas, thereby enhancing the credibility of the electoral process.
The INEC chairman disclosed that the Commission has already released the timetable for the 2027 general elections following the passage of the Electoral Act 2026.
He explained that presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold on February 16, 2027.
Amupitan said preparations for the elections were already underway and assured that the Commission would share its detailed operational plans with the Air Force to ensure seamless coordination.
He also praised the Air Force for its support during recent electoral exercises, including the November 2025 Anambra State governorship election, the Federal Capital Territory area council elections, and several by-elections conducted across the country.
The INEC chairman stressed that efficient logistics remain a key factor in delivering credible elections.
“As we prepare for the upcoming elections, we acknowledge the challenges ahead. However, with the continued support of the Nigerian Air Force, we are confident of creating a secure and orderly environment that will enable Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights,” he said.
Amupitan further revealed that INEC would conduct off-cycle governorship elections later this year, beginning with Ekiti State in June and followed by Osun State on August 15.
He described the polls as important preparatory exercises ahead of the 2027 general elections and called for sustained collaboration with security agencies.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting INEC in delivering credible elections.
He said the Air Force considers its partnership with the electoral commission an important contribution to democratic governance and national stability.
Aneke assured that the Air Force would continue to provide airlift support for both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials, particularly in areas that are difficult to access by road.
He added that the service was working to ensure that its aircraft fleet is fully operational ahead of the election period, with some aircraft currently undergoing maintenance to enhance airlift capacity.
“We remain ready to provide support whenever required. Once there is a suitable landing area, the Air Force can deploy materials and personnel to the location,” he said.
The Air Chief also emphasized the importance of modern technology in strengthening election security.
According to him, the Air Force has developed capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance using drones and other aerial platforms, which could be deployed to monitor areas of concern during elections.
He further proposed joint preparatory exercises and simulation drills between the Air Force and INEC to test operational plans ahead of the polls.
Abubakar noted that such rehearsals would help identify potential challenges and improve coordination among agencies involved in the electoral process.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between INEC, the Nigerian Air Force, and other security agencies would further strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.