Bwala defends Tinubu over ‘no more corruption in Nigeria’ comment,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has spoken in defense of comments made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that there is no corruption in Nigeria.

Bwala, who also defended the president’s economic reforms, argued that the president’s comments were taken out of context based on what he meant.

He spoke during an interview with Journalist, Mehdi Hasan of Al Jazeera Media Network.

Hasan questioned Bwala over Tinubu’s much criticized statement, which stated that corruption had been eradicated in Nigeria. Quoting Transparency International, Hasan noted that systemic corruption continues to impact sectors such as defense and security.

“President Tinubu said in August, There is no more corruption in Nigeria,” a ridiculous statement, isn’t it?” Hasan asked.

In response, Bwala defended the government’s anti-corruption stance, saying that the government investigates and prosecutes cases of corruption wherever they occur.

“We investigate every case of corruption, not only in the defense sector but in any government,” Bwala said.

“This administration has fired, investigated, or prosecuted people in government. Our administration’s resolve in tackling corruption is clear.”

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When pressed regarding Tinubu’s statement, Bwala argued that the comment was taken out of context.

“You made the wrong choice. How can someone stand up and say there is no corruption in Nigeria? What is the context?” he said, adding that Tinubu was referring to reforms following the removal of fuel subsidies and efforts to curb corruption in the oil sector.

Hasan disagrees, insisting that the president did not mention the oil industry in his statement and has faced criticism in Nigeria for the statement.

The interview became more heated when Hasan questioned Tinubu’s appointment of Abubakar Bagudu as Minister of Budget and Economic Planning further.

Hasan referred to allegations related to the late military ruler Sani Abacha, and noted that the United States Department of Justice previously accused Bagudu and others of being involved in misappropriating billions of dollars during the Abacha regime.

He also pointed out that Bagudu had returned $163 million as part of the settlement.

“How can Nigerians take Tinubu seriously about fighting corruption when he appointed someone like Bagudu to manage the state budget?” Hasan asked.

In response, Bwala argued that Nigeria is a sovereign country and decisions of foreign courts are not binding on the Nigerian judiciary.

“The court decision in America is not binding on the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” he said.