Author: admin50

Daniel Bwala had many dreams as a young man. He once thought of playing professional football, securing a place in the national team and eventually trading tackles on foreign turfs with a football club abroad. As lofty as that ambition was, it never turned into a reality. At one point, he wanted to study medical law at the Masters level because he felt medical negligence is a pandemic in Nigeria.

Of all his aspirations, public speaking and advocacy became his reputation, earning him recognition and accolades in the legal, media and political fields. There were pointers earlier that he was going to toe this path. As a young man, Bwala rarely conceded to any allegation anytime he and his siblings got into trouble with their parents. He always insisted on explaining his conduct, which frequently led to a favourable outcome as he made himself clear. Such was the strength of his convictions and arguments that his late father once proclaimed that he, Bwala, would be useless if he didn’t become a lawyer.

“I was always an advocate of the rights of people,” he shared during a recent encounter. “Afterwards, I gave my life to Christ, became born again and later a preacher; this endeavour of preaching fine-tuned my advocacy skills and gave me the passion for studying law.”Today, Bwala is the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communications. Prior to that, he was the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.Born in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, Bwala hails from Gwaski in Hawul LGA. His father was a retired military officer and his mother a businesswoman.

“This led me to win a national law clinic competition where selected top law clinic universities in the country and campuses of the Nigerian Law School participated,” he continued.“I led my colleague Aminu Gamawa, who is now Dr. Aminu Gamawa, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Bauchi State. In the national competition, we defeated universities and even Nigerian Law School campuses to emerge winners and went on to represent Nigeria and Africa at the International Client Counselling Competition hosted by Cardiff University, UK. On the international stage, we defeated the USA, Canada, and Scotland but fell short of New Zealand. We emerged runner-up at the international finals.”Bwala started gaining recognition for public speaking during his university days. Many instances announced him on the big stage, but one that readily came to mind as he attempted the question was when he and his team won the national competition on client counselling.

“It was aired all over the nation and abroad ahead of our participation in the international finals. I started to get invites for interviews locally and internationally, including requests from universities abroad to send articles in the related field.”Before setting up his own firm, Bwala & Co (Crystal Chambers), the international motivational speaker and author, worked for the law firm JK Gadzama LLP.“I learned the rudiments of law, research and courtroom advocacy there. I worked there for five years before setting up my law firm Bwala & Co (Crystal Chambers),” he said.

“In those days in England,” Bwala recounted, “after you are admitted to practice, you are required to spend at least five years doing pupil-age before you can set up your law firm. Even though that is not the case anymore, I, however, told myself that I would work for five years and then proceed to establish my law firm. Thankfully, I was able to do just that.”Part of this decision may have stemmed from the influential figures in his life. They include Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church, better known as Winners Chapel, whom he said influenced his life to a large extent. “I listened to his teachings, which were basically spiritual, but also had a lot of motivation around career, knowledge, self-esteem, etc.”

In his legal profession, he learnt discipline and diligence from his former employer Chief JK Gadzama, SAN.“I learned the business of law, diligence and timing,” he said. “I recall when I started work with his law firm, we reported at 8am and closed at 11pm daily; at weekends, we reported at 4pm and closed at 10pm. I developed my research skills working with Chief Gadzama, SAN. During my first month at his chambers, fresh off of a call to the bar, he ensured I appeared in all the superior courts of record. This meant that in the first month, I appeared in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. As Principal of the chambers, he personally ensured the allocation of counsel in chambers to the cause list. God bless Gadzama, SAN.”

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has donated N50 million to the Living Faith Church Worldwide and pledged to build a road network within the church premises in Minna.

The announcement was made on Sunday during the church’s 44th anniversary celebration at its state headquarters in Gbaiko, Minna.

Speaking at the event, Governor Bago emphasized the need for collaboration among government, parents, and religious organizations to restore family values, which he said were in decline. “We must work together to rebuild our society’s moral fabric,” he said during the anniversary gathering at the church auditorium.

The governor expressed concern over the erosion of family values, attributing it to rising intolerance and other societal challenges. He congratulated the Living Faith Church on its 44-year milestone and assured the congregation of his administration’s ongoing support for the church and Christendom.

Bago encouraged the church to support his government’s agricultural drive by setting up a farm, and called for continued prayers as his administration pursues the vision of a “New Niger.” He reaffirmed both his N50 million donation and his commitment to constructing the road network within the church grounds.

In his remarks, the Resident Pastor of Living Faith Church, Minna, Pastor Anso John Dominion, thanked the governor for attending the celebration and lauded his administration’s efforts toward realizing the “New Niger” agenda through infrastructure and agriculture.

The pastor added, “We assure the ‘farmer Governor’ of our continuous prayers for the success of all your developmental initiatives, which will bring transformation to lives and livelihoods.”

Other dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Mrs. Afiniki Dauda; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public-Private Partnerships, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa; and the Governor’s Coordinator on Christian Affairs, Lawrence Moh’d Isa, also delivered goodwill messages. They praised Governor Bago’s consistent support for the Christian community and pledged their backing for his policies aimed at improving the state.

The event featured presentations to the governor from the Living Faith Church and the Christian community in appreciation of his support. An appeal was also made for the construction of a Christian Centre on land owned by the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Governor Bago was accompanied by members of the State Executive Council and other senior officials to the celebration.

An associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his principal is willing to work with the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in a bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.Atiku, who emerged second in the 2023 presidential election with 6,984,520 votes, has consistently expressed his resolve to lead a formidable opposition capable of challenging the All Progressives Congress in the next electoral cycle.President Tinubu’s path to a second term appears increasingly fraught, with mounting opposition not only from rival parties but also from disenchanted figures within the APC.Notable among these are former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

Also, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai recently renounced his APC membership, criticised the Tinubu administration, and joined the Social Democratic Party.He has since called on like-minded Nigerians to unite in ousting the APC in 2027.El-Rufai’s move has sparked fresh speculation of a broad political realignment, with sources close to Atiku suggesting that behind-the-scenes coalition talks are gaining momentum.Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH, an associate of Atiku who pleaded anonymity because “It is too early to reveal much for now,” said the two opposition figures, having realised that they need each other to realise their dream of good governance in the country, have resolved to work together.“There is no doubt that they have learned their lessons and are ready to work together. They now realise that to defeat Tinubu, they cannot go it alone,” the source said.“Data from the 2023 election shows Atiku won in 12 states with over six million votes, while Obi claimed 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory.Combined, their votes would have clearly surpassed Tinubu’s eight-plus million. That’s why serious meetings are already ongoing, though quietly.”The source further accused President Tinubu of playing divisive politics, claiming that such tactics contributed to El-Rufai’s defection.“Tinubu is attempting to play the North against the South, assuming he can build a winning coalition. But he’s mistaken — that’s part of why El-Rufai left.”‘LP, PDP can’t defeat Tinubu’But the Director-General of The Progressive Institute, Dr. Lanre Adebayo, has asserted that no opposition party currently possesses the strength or structure to defeat the All Progressives Congress or President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.Adebayo made the remark on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly, where he briefed the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, on the institute’s progress and ongoing activities.

The Progressive Institute is a policy think tank established by the APC to groom young Nigerian leaders and strengthen democratic ideals within the ruling party.“2027 is very close,” Adebayo said. “When you look at the Nigerian political environment now, I don’t think we have a party that can challenge the APC. But we must continue working hard to preserve the leadership God has given us.”He added that the institute’s current efforts are focused on taking stock of the APC’s performance over the last two years, as part of a national project to ensure the party remains strong and resilient.“We are working under the leadership of Senator Jibrin to ensure that the APC continues to lead and set the direction for the country’s future,” he said.In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau expressed satisfaction with the institute’s progress and lauded the innovative direction being championed by the party’s leadership.

NNPP, ADC on coalition Meanwhile, the New Nigeria People’s Party has declared its openness to a coalition aimed at ending Tinubu’s presidency in 2027.However, it insisted any alliance must align with its vision for good governance.Speaking to The PUNCH, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, revealed that the party had championed coalition talks since after the 2023 elections.“From the beginning, we said we are open to discussions with individuals and political parties toward 2027. That remains our position,” Johnson said.However, he emphasised that while the NNPP is open to partnerships, it would not accept a merger that strips the party of its identity.“Nigerians will soon hear more about our engagements. We remain NNPP. All options are on the table, but we won’t lose our identity.”Johnson also signaled that the party would begin publicly assessing the Tinubu administration after it marks two years in office on May 29.Similarly, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Ralph Nwosu, welcomed coalition efforts, stressing that integrity and values must guide any alliance.“Any coalition rooted in dignity, integrity, and inclusion is worth supporting.

If this proposed coalition aligns with those ideals, ADC will be part of it,” he said.Nwosu criticised the Tinubu administration for promoting division, and also took aim at former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for citing “central government benefits” as justification for defecting to the APC.“If this is the kind of democracy our leaders are advocating, it is shameful and irresponsible,” he said. “Elected leaders in developed countries talk development, not politics.”Similarly, the Young Progressive Party expressed interest in a broad-based alliance but warned that it must not simply be a platform for recycled elites.YPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Wale Egbeola-Martins, stated:“The idea of a grand coalition led by Atiku, El-Rufai, or Babachir Lawal acknowledges the need for change. But it must go beyond rebranding old faces.”He urged elder politicians to consider stepping aside for fresh leadership:“Nigerians are yearning for new, competent leaders. If this coalition is to succeed, some of the current figureheads must be ready to jettison personal ambition.”Egbeola-Martins also warned against the risks of growing defections to the APC, arguing that a drift toward a one-party state would undermine democracy.“The wave of defections to APC is concerning. It weakens checks and balances and endangers political pluralism,” he said.

“Our democracy thrives on ideological diversity and a robust opposition.”