A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, , has sharply criticized the recent international television appearance of presidential spokesperson , describing the interview as a damaging moment for Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
In a strongly worded commentary reacting to Bwala’s appearance on on , Moghalu said the exchange with host exposed deep flaws in Nigeria’s political culture and governance. According to him, the interview turned into what he described as “a disaster of gargantuan proportions” not only for the administration of but also for the country’s reputation internationally.
Moghalu argued that the program’s global reach and its unique format—where questions are posed before a live international audience—meant the discussion projected Nigeria in an unfavorable light. He said the interview became a “spectacle,” as what he termed a fact-driven interrogation of the government’s performance unfolded before viewers across the world. The development, he noted, raises concerns about how Nigeria’s leadership and governance are perceived internationally.
Beyond the interview itself, the former CBN official questioned the decision to appoint individuals with controversial political histories as representatives of the government on the global stage. He suggested that Bwala’s past political positions and criticisms of the Tinubu administration before aligning with it undermined his credibility when defending the government’s policies.
Moghalu further criticized what he described as a broader culture within Nigerian politics where loyalty often outweighs competence in government appointments. According to him, this trend has led to the elevation of individuals whose political allegiance may be recent or opportunistic rather than grounded in policy expertise or ideological consistency.
He also raised concerns about the practice of appointing former opposition figures who had previously launched strong personal attacks against the president into official spokesperson roles simply because they later defected. Such individuals, he argued, carry political baggage that can weaken the credibility of government communication, especially in high-profile international engagements.
While acknowledging that governments everywhere face criticism, Moghalu maintained that Nigeria could deploy more credible voices to articulate its policies and defend its record. In his view, more consistent representatives would ensure that debates focus on the government’s performance rather than the past statements of its spokespersons.
Describing the episode as “a sad day” for the country, Moghalu said he had received calls from acquaintances around the world who expressed shock at the developments during the interview. He added that despite Nigeria’s challenges, the country’s citizens continue to excel globally in different fields, demonstrating resilience and brilliance.
According to him, the contrast between the achievements of Nigerians worldwide and what he described as the persistent shortcomings in governance remains a troubling reality. He concluded that many observers around the world are still hopeful that Nigeria will eventually overcome its political challenges and assume what he called its “rightful place under the sun.”
