The Daniel Bwala Mehdi Hassan interview quickly became a trending topic on social media after clips of the debate circulated widely.
In a statement personally signed by him, Bwala said he was fully aware of the responsibility that came with his role as a spokesperson for the administration.
“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,” Bwala said.
He added that he remains ready to defend the government anywhere in the world.
“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.”
BWALA ACCUSES SHOW OF AMBUSH JOURNALISM
Speaking further on the Daniel Bwala Mehdi Hassan interview, the presidential adviser accused the Head to Head programme of engaging in what he described as “ambush journalism.”
According to him, the organisers never informed him that the discussion would focus heavily on his past criticism of President Bola Tinubu before joining the administration.
“Nowhere in our almost six months of communication did they mention that they were going to challenge my past. If that had been their plan, ethically and professionally, they were supposed to inform me so I could prepare my response,” he said.
Bwala also claimed that some of the quotes used during the interview were inaccurate or misleading.
“I refused to swallow the pill of Mehdi’s opposition research-style journalism. Some of the statements read during the interview were inaccurate and some were outright fake news,” he added.
BWALA SAYS PAST CRITICISM WAS POLITICS
Addressing his earlier criticism of the Tinubu administration before joining the government, Bwala said political disagreements before appointments are common in politics worldwide.
He pointed to the United States as an example.
“Half of Donald Trump’s cabinet is made up of people who once spoke against him. Even in our cabinet, quite a number of people previously criticised President Tinubu. Those things do not bother him,” Bwala explained.
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He also mocked critics who continue to attack him online, saying most of them belong to the political opposition.
According to him, many critics lack clear policy alternatives or political strategy.
OPEN TO ANOTHER DEBATE
Despite the controversy surrounding the Daniel Bwala Mehdi Hassan interview, the presidential aide said he still respects Mehdi Hassan as a skilled debater.
He also expressed interest in another discussion.
“I still have admiration and respect for Mehdi Hassan as arguably the best debater on the planet. I look forward to part two of the Head to Head interview,” Bwala said.
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