Nigerian lawyer and human rights advocate, Chidi Odinkalu, has reacted to comments made by presidential aide Daniel Bwala following Bwala’s recent interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan on the “Head to Head” programme of Al Jazeera.
Odinkalu shared his reaction through his official X account on Saturday, March 7, 2026, after Bwala explained that he was not informed beforehand that questions about his past political statements would form part of the discussion during the interview.
Bwala, who serves as Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had earlier stated that the producers of the programme initially contacted him to discuss issues relating to the policies and performance of the Tinubu administration. According to him, the interview was presented as an opportunity to address topics such as national security, the economy, and corruption.
He further explained that his communication with the programme’s organizers lasted for nearly six months before the interview eventually took place. However, he claimed that at no point during those exchanges was he informed that the discussion would shift toward his past comments about the government and political developments in Nigeria.
The interview later generated significant reactions online after Hasan questioned Bwala about previous remarks he had made before joining the current administration, prompting a heated exchange during the programme.
Responding to Bwala’s explanation, Odinkalu appeared to suggest that public officials should be adequately prepared before appearing on international media platforms. In his brief comment on X, the legal scholar referenced the importance of preparation, drawing a comparison to lessons often taught in primary school.
“My brother, you remember those lessons from primary school about doing your homework? Very important,” Odinkalu wrote.
The exchange has continued to fuel discussions on social media, with many users debating the expectations placed on government representatives when participating in high-profile international interviews and the level of preparation required to address potentially difficult questions.