Naija News • 2h ago
Bwala’s Al-Jazeera interview disaster to Nigeria, damaging to Tinubu – Moghalu
**Nigeria's Global Image Takes a Hit: Moghalu Slams Bwala's Al Jazeera Interview**
Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, has expressed deep concern over an interview conducted by President Bola Tinubu's media aide, Daniel Bwala, on Al Jazeera's popular programme, Head to Head. The interview, hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, has been described by Moghalu as a "disaster" that has severely damaged Nigeria's reputation globally.
According to Moghalu, Bwala's interview was a catastrophe that showcased Nigeria in a poor light, with the international reach of Al Jazeera and the presence of a live global audience making it even more damaging. He questioned how the audience might perceive Nigeria after witnessing such a "fact-based shredding" of the country's leadership and its performance.
Moghalu sees the interview as a reflection of deeper issues within Nigeria's political culture, where opportunism and power struggles take precedence over clear policy direction and ideology. He lamented that the episode was a sad commentary on Nigeria's politics, characterized by a lack of commitment to genuine beliefs, policies, and ideologies. Instead, he believes that the focus is on crass opportunism and the pursuit of power.
In addition, Moghalu criticized the government's choice of spokespersons, suggesting that competence often takes a back seat to loyalty in political appointments. He expressed his concern that Bwala, given his track record, was sent to represent President Tinubu on the international stage, raising questions about the standards used in recruiting government spokespersons.
The implications of this interview are far-reaching, and Moghalu's comments highlight the need for Nigeria's leaders to re-examine their approach to international engagement and representation. By speaking for Nigeria on the global stage, government representatives must demonstrate a deep understanding of the country's challenges and a commitment to its values and interests. Anything less is a disservice to Nigeria and its people.