Tinubu’s Media Team Faces Criticism Over Spokesperson Confusion
The media team of President Bola Tinubu has found itself in the spotlight once again following a dispute over the role of spokespersons in the presidency. This latest controversy erupted as Daniel Bwala, a former spokesperson for PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, announced his appointment as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications—a claim later contradicted by Bayo Onanuga, another presidential media aide.
Bwala’s Appointment Sparks Confusion
Bwala took to social media on Monday to share his new role, posting pictures of himself addressing State House correspondents. However, hours later, Onanuga issued a statement clarifying that there is no single spokesperson for President Tinubu.
“President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to enhance efficiency,” Onanuga said. He explained that Bwala’s title had been changed to Special Adviser on Policy Communication, while Sunday Dare was re-designated as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications. Onanuga himself retains his role as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
The restructuring means all three advisers will collectively serve as the president’s spokespersons, a move Onanuga claims will ensure effective communication of government policies.
A Pattern of Miscommunication
This is not the first time the president’s communication team has faced criticism. Earlier this year, a misstep occurred during Tinubu’s first anniversary in office. Onanuga announced that Tinubu would address a joint session of the National Assembly, while Ajuri Ngelale, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, countered the claim, calling it “false and unauthorized.”
Such incidents have fueled perceptions of disorganization within the presidency’s media team, leading to public skepticism about the government’s messaging strategy.
Public Reaction: Criticism and Mockery
Nigerians on social media were quick to react, with many questioning the necessity of having three spokespersons for one president.
- @Karovoni mocked Bwala, saying, “While Bwala was at Channels TV talking about his role as SA Media and Public Communication, his job was being given to someone else. Lol.”
- @femyek noted: “Three persons speaking for the president will achieve the exact opposite of what is intended. You cannot get the same explanation of a simple policy question by three persons.”
- @Anadio_ added, “Three spokespersons for one president seem redundant and inefficient.”
- @yomibarca01 criticized, “Never seen a disjointed media team like this before. Three spokespersons in a country still struggling economically? What a joke!”
Others suggested the multiple appointments were either an attempt to amplify propaganda or a sign of deeper communication challenges within the presidency.
Calls for Clarity
The controversy raises questions about the administration’s ability to streamline its communication strategy at a time when public confidence in governance is critical. Critics argue that a unified voice is essential to convey the government’s policies clearly and avoid mixed messages.
As Tinubu’s administration faces pressing economic and political challenges, effective and coordinated communication will be crucial in maintaining public trust. Whether this restructuring will deliver the intended efficiency remains to be seen.