President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restructured the State House media and communications team, appointing Sunday Dare and Daniel Bwala alongside Bayo Onanuga as official spokespersons for his administration.
This move signifies a bold attempt to streamline government communications and improve public engagement.
Sunday Dare, a former Minister of Sports and Youths Development under the Buhari administration, was named Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation.
Daniel Bwala, a lawyer and former critic of Tinubu, recently joined the team as Special Adviser on Policy Communication.
Bayo Onanuga, who has been serving as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, completes the trio.
In a statement released Monday night, Onanuga explained the reorganization.
He stated, “The President’s decision ensures there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency. Instead, all three special advisers will collectively represent the administration.”
This collective approach is intended to provide effective and consistent communication of government policies, actions, and engagements.
A Controversial Appointment
Daniel Bwala’s inclusion in the media team has sparked mixed reactions across the country.
Before his appointment, Bwala was a vocal critic of Tinubu and served as a spokesman for Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential campaign.
Many Nigerians were surprised by the move, with some viewing it as an act of political reconciliation.
Others questioned the choice, pointing to Bwala’s past criticisms of Tinubu’s policies.
Social media users were quick to react.
One user asked, “What about Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri? Why not appoint them too?”
However, analysts suggest that Tinubu’s decision to include a former opposition spokesperson reflects a strategy to bridge divides and present a more inclusive government.
Sunday Dare’s Return to the Limelight
Sunday Dare’s appointment has also drawn attention.
Known for his achievements as a Minister, Dare was credited with revitalizing Nigeria’s sports sector.
He spearheaded the rehabilitation of the National Stadium in Lagos and pushed for greater youth participation in sports.
As Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications, Dare is expected to leverage his experience to reshape the government’s messaging.
One political analyst described Dare’s appointment as “a tactical move to inject professionalism and credibility into Tinubu’s media team.”
Unified Communication Strategy
This restructuring marks a departure from previous administrations that relied on a single spokesperson.
Onanuga emphasized the importance of the new model.
“This collaborative approach ensures clarity and reduces the risk of misinformation,” he said.
Observers have praised the decision as a step toward more transparent governance.
By dividing responsibilities among three seasoned advisers, Tinubu aims to strengthen the government’s communication machinery.