Bwala accuses Al Jazeera of 'opposition-style journalism' in heated interview
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has accused Al Jazeera journalist Mehdi Hasan of engaging in what he called 'opposition-style journalism' during a recent interview. Bwala made the claim while appearing on News Central's '60 Minutes with Mr Kay' program on Friday, where he reviewed his contentious interview with Hasan.
According to Bwala, the journalist's approach was not neutral but aimed at discrediting the administration. 'What Mehdi Hasan did was what we call opposition-style journalism, where you play the role of the opposition,' Bwala stated, alleging that the interview was designed to extract statements that could be used against the government.
The presidential aide claimed that a large portion of the interview focused on his past political criticisms of President Tinubu. 'In the first 15 minutes, he kept asking about things I said when I was in the opposition. I admitted them, but I asked that we move on to the purpose of the interview,' Bwala explained, noting that he warned Hasan he would deny statements if he continued that line.
Despite the tense exchange, Bwala maintained he handled the interview properly and remained focused on defending the government's position. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Nigerian government officials and international media coverage of the administration.