Presidential spokesman on policy and communication, Daniel Bwala, says the Tinubu administration is not in search of “perfect people” to serve in government, insisting that appointments remain the exclusive prerogative of the President.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Bwala explained that ambassadorial roles are political in nature and carry no statutory requirements. According to him, presidents can appoint career diplomats or choose politicians, depending on what best serves their agenda.
He noted that this flexibility is not new. “Before the Buhari administration, all Ministers of Defence were civilians with no military background. Political appointments are different,” he said.
Addressing concerns raised about the past conduct or public reputation of certain nominees, Bwala argued that such judgments are subjective. He referenced the United States, pointing out that even former President Donald Trump appointed Supreme Court justices based on ideological alignment rather than universal approval.
“The basic thing is being considered ‘fit and proper.’ But that definition is subjective. Some may like an appointee’s temperament; others may not,” he said.
Bwala stressed that Section 5 of the Nigerian Constitution vests executive powers in the President, granting him the authority to run the government directly or through chosen appointees. He added that the President will ultimately bear the consequences of any poor selections.
He said democracy allows room for mistakes and corrections. “We do not look for perfect people. We look for people who are ready to work. If anyone goes wrong, they can be removed. Democracy doesn’t shut its doors to error.”
Bwala encouraged Nigerians to see governance as a continuous process that relies on feedback, emphasizing that neither government nor its officials can be flawless.
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