Federal Lawmaker Condemns Presidential Aide's Remarks About FCT Minister
Honorable Solomon Bob, a member of the House of Representatives, has launched a strong rebuke against Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication. The federal lawmaker took issue with comments Bwala made during a television appearance that he described as misleading and unfair to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Defense of Wike's Performance and Integrity
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 25, Bob defended Minister Wike against what he characterized as a maliciously distorted narrative being pushed by the presidential aide. The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, rejected claims that Wike has been interfering with the administration of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Bob described Bwala's remarks as cheeky, unwarranted and driven by premeditated bile, arguing that they revealed a poor understanding of public service and presidential governance. He particularly objected to Bwala's suggestion that Wike had been adequately compensated for his role, stating that such thinking creates the impression that public office is viewed as a gravy train rather than an opportunity for service delivery.
Recognition of Wike's Achievements in FCT
The federal lawmaker dismissed attempts to minimize Wike's record in office, insisting that the developments witnessed in the Federal Capital Territory resulted from competence and innovation rather than political favoritism. Bob highlighted that Wike's widely acknowledged performance in the FCT included the strategic decision to exit the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which he described as an ingenious idea that received presidential approval.
Exiting the TSA itself was the minister's ingenious idea, and the President's acceptance of that proposal underscores his confidence in Wike's ability to deliver, Bob stated. He added that President Tinubu's confidence in Wike was built on his proven track record as Rivers State governor, for which he had also received recognition from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Rejection of Interference Claims in Rivers Governance
Bob firmly rejected Bwala's implication that Wike was obstructing Governor Fubara from governing Rivers State, describing the claim as reckless and unfounded. By that implication, Mr Bwala demonstrated a clear lack of judgment, the lawmaker asserted, characterizing it as classic implication framing from someone who dabbles into issues far beyond his competence and job description.
Accusation of Personalizing Presidential Communication
The chairman of the House Committee on Capital Market and Institutions further accused the presidential aide of injecting personal sentiments into official communication and presenting them as representing the President's position. He denigrates his office by infusing his own biases into public commentary and passing them off as the President's position, Bob declared, emphasizing that Bwala was not speaking for President Tinubu and lacked authorization to project such views on behalf of the Presidency.
Allegations of Election-Related Bitterness
Bob, who represents the Abua/Odual and Ahoada East Federal Constituency of Rivers State, suggested that Bwala's remarks might have been influenced by lingering resentment from the outcome of the 2023 presidential election. Perhaps he is still nursing bitterness over Alhaji Atiku Abubakar's defeat, he speculated, alleging that Wike had politically outmaneuvered Atiku, who was Bwala's former principal.
Call for Professionalism and Restraint
The lawmaker advised the presidential aide to exercise greater restraint and humility in his public communications. Bob warned that communication from the Presidency should reflect discipline, objectivity and respect for institutional boundaries. Mr Bwala should know his level and be grateful for the opportunity he has, he stated, adding that public communication requires capacity, restraint and a clear understanding of one's remit.
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria's political landscape, particularly concerning relationships between federal officials and state governance structures. The controversy emerges against the backdrop of the Rivers State political crisis, where legal proceedings involving Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly continue to unfold in the courts.
