Segun Showunmi, former spokesperson to former vice president Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the interview between Al Jazeera journalist Mehdi Hasan and presidential aide Daniel Bwala, describing it as a “public ambush.”
Mr. Showunmi made the comment in a post on his X account on Sunday.
“What viewers witnessed was not a serious interview. It was an attempted public ambush,” he said.
He said the questions during the programme were framed in a way that limited Bwala’s responses.
“Questions were framed less as inquiries into governance and more as prosecutorial traps. Responses were repeatedly interrupted before they could develop, and clarifications were brushed aside,” he said.
Showunmi also spoke about the role of journalists during interviews.
“The craft of interviewing demands discipline. It requires the ability to ask questions while still allowing the guest to articulate answers. Intellectual confidence should permit disagreement without descending into open hostility,” he said.
He added that political alliances often change in democratic politics.
“Democratic politics is built on shifting alliances. Individuals and movements evolve. Former opponents become partners when circumstances demand cooperation. This is neither shocking nor dishonourable,” he said.
Showunmi also said journalists should question those in power without attempting to humiliate their guests.
“A journalist who openly ridicules or repeatedly attempts to humiliate a guest crosses a professional boundary. The role of the interviewer is to hold power accountable, not to behave like a courtroom prosecutor seeking a ‘gotcha’ moment,” he said.
He added that interviews should help the public understand government policies and decisions.
“Audiences deserve interviews that examine policy, probe governance and help citizens understand how leaders intend to address the challenges of the day,” he said.
Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, appeared on Al Jazeera’s Head to Head programme hosted by Hasan.
During the interview, Hasan referred to past comments Bwala made about President Tinubu before his appointment.
Hasan cited the statements and dates, but Bwala denied making them.
Clips from the programme circulated on social media and drew reactions from some Nigerians, with some calling for Bwala’s removal from office.
Media personality Babajide Otitoju also commented on the interview during a programme on TVC News.
He said Bwala promoted the interview before it aired and described Hasan as a strong interviewer.
Mr. Otitoju said Bwala appeared unprepared for the style of questioning he faced.
“He made a mistake going head-to-head with Mehdi Hasan. He should have known he would not come out unscathed,” he said.
He added that the interview did not give Bwala the opportunity to present the policies of the Tinubu administration.
