“I Can Never Rub Shoulders with Bayo Onanuga” – Daniel Bwala

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, has affirmed his deep respect for Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, stating he would never compete with the elder statesman. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Bwala praised Onanuga’s leadership and achievements in journalism.

“Bayo Onanuga is an elder statesman. He’s a very brilliant journalist who has had his records. We are happy he’s leading us as a leader,” Bwala said. “I can never be drawn into a position where I will rub shoulders with him. I doff my cap for him.”

Bwala emphasized his collaborative approach, highlighting the respect he has for Onanuga’s seniority. “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,” he added.

The conversation also addressed the transition within the presidency’s media team after Ajuri Ngelale, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, vacated his role in September to handle family medical matters. Onanuga initially stepped in, assuming both the role and office of the presidential spokesperson.

Bwala clarified that he has since taken over as spokesperson under a new title. “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),” he explained, noting that Sunday Dare also operates in a related capacity from the Ministry of Information.