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Abuja – A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Solomon Bob, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Mr. Daniel Bwala. Bob said Bwala’s remarks about the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, were misleading and unfair.
The comments followed Bwala’s television appearance on Friday. During the show, he reportedly claimed Wike had been “adequately compensated” and suggested the former Rivers State governor interfered with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.
Bob Accuses Bwala of Distorting Facts
In a statement issued Sunday, January 25, Bob, who chairs the House Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, called Bwala’s comments a “maliciously distorted narrative.”
Bob described the remarks as “cheeky, unwarranted, and driven by premeditated bile.” He argued that Bwala showed a poor understanding of public service and presidential governance.
“You could see that he deliberately pivoted from the question to talk about the minister having been ‘adequately compensated,’” Bob said. “Public office is about service delivery, not compensation.”
Defending Wike’s Performance
Bob dismissed attempts to downplay Wike’s achievements as FCT Minister. He said the minister’s record reflects competence and innovation, not political favour.
“He reduced the minister’s widely acknowledged performance in the FCT to merely exiting the TSA,” Bob explained. “Exiting the TSA was the minister’s idea, and the President’s acceptance underscores his confidence in Wike’s capability.”
Bob added that President Tinubu’s trust in Wike stems from his track record as Rivers State governor, also recognised by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Claims of Interference in Rivers State Dismissed
Bob faulted Bwala for implying that Wike was obstructing Governor Fubara. He called this claim reckless and unfounded.
“By that implication, Mr. Bwala showed a clear lack of judgment,” Bob said. “It is classic implication framing from someone who dabbles into issues beyond his competence.”
Presidential Communication Should Be Professional
The lawmaker also accused Bwala of personalising presidential communication. He said the aide injected personal bias into official commentary and presented it as the President’s view.
“He was not speaking for the President, who knows where responsibility for the Rivers situation lies,” Bob said.
Election Bitterness Alleged
Representing Abua/Odual and Ahoada East Federal Constituency, Bob suggested Bwala’s remarks may stem from lingering bitterness over the 2023 presidential election.
“Perhaps he is still nursing bitterness over Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s defeat,” he said, noting Wike politically outmaneuvered Atiku, Bwala’s former principal.
Call for Restraint and Professionalism
Bob advised the presidential aide to exercise humility and restraint. He emphasised that public communication from the Presidency should be disciplined, objective, and respect institutional boundaries.
“Mr. Bwala should know his level and be grateful for the opportunity he has. Public communication requires capacity, restraint, and a clear understanding of one’s remit,” Bob concluded.
