Political analyst Anthony Kila sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu on Arise News’ This Day Live for appointing Daniel Bwala—once a vocal critic who “insulted [him] severally” and opposed him viciously—as Special Adviser on Media and Policy Communication, calling it the “Bwala Debacle.”
Kila directly blamed Tinubu, questioning if the move stemmed from a lack of loyal alternatives or a “masochistic” preference for those who attack first to gain attention.
He argued the choice was misguided, as Bwala’s recent Al Jazeera interview with Mehdi Hasan—where he denied past harsh claims against Tinubu amid grilling on governance failures—exposed the administration to embarrassment and scrutiny it could have avoided.
Kila stressed that inclusivity must not damage the principal’s reputation or undermine meritocracy; other roles could have sufficed if Bwala impressed, but not as the government’s public face.
Co-panelist GD Ulo defended it as Tinubu’s “large heart,” but Kila insisted on strategic, consequence-driven leadership amid Nigeria’s energy crises, grid issues, and economic woes ahead of 2027 polls.