- Confusion had arisen as Onanuga, designated special adviser on communication and strategy, took over as presidential spokesman following Ngelale’s departure.
- Onanuga also moved to the office previously occupied by Ngelale at the presidential villa.
Daniel Bwala, President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser on media and public communications, has stated he “can never be drawn into a position where he will rub shoulders” with Bayo Onanuga.
Bwala made this remark on Monday while appearing on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.
Onanuga serves as a special adviser to the president on information and strategy.
Bwala referred to Onanuga as an “elder statesman,” adding that he would be delighted to see him lead the presidential media team.
“Bayo Onanuga is an elder statesman. He’s a very brilliant journalist who has had his records. We are happy he’s leading us, he’s a leader,” he said.
“I’m happy for him to lead. I haven’t been told but I’m happy for him to lead. Because he’s an elder, I will respect him.”
“And he has his own record. He has served Nigeria well. He has a proven record as a journalist.”
“I can never be drawn into a position where I will rub shoulders with him. I doff my cap for him.”
“My own is, if he says ‘go and carry that table’ I will just do so; that’s my job. It’s not about title.”
Bwala also revealed that he has taken over the role of Ajuri Ngelale, the former presidential spokesman.
Ngelale, who was special adviser on media and publicity, vacated the position in September to attend to medical matters affecting his immediate family.
Onanuga, designated special adviser on communication and strategy, took over as presidential spokesman following Ngelale’s departure.
Dring the interview, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesman, adding that there has only been a change in office nomenclature.
“When Ajuri was there the nomenclature was Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and now that role is called Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications (State House). Sunday Dare works from the Office of the Minister of Information,” he added.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu revamped the roles of two recently appointed State House media and communications team officials on Monday.
Onanuga announced that Sunday Dare will now serve as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications.
Onanuga further stated that Daniel Bwala will assume the role of Special Adviser on Policy Communication.
“These appointments, along with the existing role of special adviser, information and strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the presidency,” the statement reads.
“Instead, all three special advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.”
“This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.”