Who Is Responsible for This Situation?

Part One: The Man Who Exposed Our National Issues

In Hausa culture, there exists a common saying: “Allah ya rufa mana asiri” — God, may our secrets remain protected. It is a prayer offered to everyone, rich or poor, acknowledging that everyone has their own secrets. For some, these secrets amount to dark histories. Yet, we tend to grant others the benefit of the doubt while hoping that their secrets stay hidden.

Then comes Daniel Bwala, who serves as President Tinubu’s spokesperson. He journeyed to London for an interview with Mehdi Hasan on Al-Jazeera's Head to Head, only to publicly lay bare not just his own secrets, but those of our nation. As a senior government figure, Bwala spoke on behalf of Nigeria and its citizens. He accepted an interview with Mehdi Hasan—well-known for his investigative style—yet seemed unprepared for the probing questions that were sure to follow. Why did this happen at such a crucial time?

Hasan proceeded to dig into Bwala’s previous statements made during his tenure as an opposition spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar. He displayed video clips and referenced specific dates.

“You alleged that Tinubu established a militia for electoral manipulation,” Hasan confronted him.

Bwala's retort was, “Tinubu did not form a militia, and I never made such a claim.”

What was he thinking? This was a blatant denial delivered with an air of confidence, as if repeating the same statement could somehow erase the recorded evidence. Hasan played another clip relating to claims of dubious cash transactions into Tinubu’s residence. Once again, Bwala insisted, “I never said that.” When faced with footage where he had claimed to be threatened by Tinubu's associates, he maintained, “I never said that.”

At one point, Mehdi referenced a video recorded by Bwala prior to the interview, complete with background music, showcasing his preparations for the encounter. “What were you getting ready for?” Mehdi asked.

At that moment, 200 million Nigerians collectively sighed. Did he not recognize that these statements had been recorded? Did he honestly believe Al- Jazeera's researchers weren’t thorough?

When Bwala finally attempted to justify his earlier comments, he described them as mere “political rhetoric made in the heat of the campaign.” But let’s be clear: attempting to cleanse his earlier statements is futile, as words spoken do not simply vanish.

After the interview went viral, Bwala accused Hasan of selective editing, alleging that nearly 20 minutes had been cut. However, selective editing cannot fabricate utterances that were never made. Unless Al-Jazeera possesses advanced deepfake capabilities, Bwala indeed said “I never said that” regarding statements he clearly did.

Rather than keeping his secrets concealed, Bwala exposed them on an international stage. Supporting this administration is already a daunting task—rising transport fares following the removal of fuel subsidies, the naira’s depreciation, and inflation pricing even the basics out of reach. If he indeed harbors significant secrets while facing these issues, we can only pray for mercy.

As Bwala represented Nigeria, he effectively opened our national closet to the world—depriving us of our Ramadan prayers for confidentiality.

Who allowed this to happen? Wanene ya yi mana wannan yawa fisabilillahi? Who thought it was a good idea to send him?

Part Two: The Conflict They Initiated, the Cost We Bear

While Bwala's actions appear to be self-inflicted, the turmoil currently unfolding in the Middle East is akin to strangers inflicting wounds on one another while we bear the consequences.

On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel commenced airstrikes against Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 170 schoolgirls, and numerous Iranian officials. The conflict escalated, and President Trump first targeted military installations, later threatening Iran’s principal oil export infrastructure “a few more times just for fun,” leading to volatility in global oil markets.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, has become a battleground. Iran has essentially blocked US and Israeli- affiliated vessels, with missile strikes halting traffic significantly. The International Energy Agency has labeled this disruption as unprecedented in the oil market's history.

Now let's consider the repercussions. Despite being a crude oil producer, Nigeria remains vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets. As global oil prices soar, our import costs escalate. This leads to increased pump prices, affecting everything from transport to food, and even small necessities like sachet water.

Since the onset of conflict, Dangote Refinery has raised the ex-depot price by N101, with retail prices now flirting above N1000 per liter, up from around N820. Transport fares have skyrocketed, and the prices of goods are also affected.

What has the government proposed? Let’s pause for a laugh. They announced plans to distribute 100,000 CNG kits for vehicle conversions. While CNG may be cheaper, where are these kits? Where are the dispensing stations? Empty promises seem all we have.

In contrast, other nations are taking concrete actions. South Korea has implemented fuel price ceilings, Brazil has eliminated federal taxes entirely, and the US has released strategic reserves. Meanwhile, Nigeria offers unfulfilled promises.

The crisis is perilous, as neither side is willing to back down. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has vowed to target economic centers and banks associated with US and Israeli interests. Hezbollah has also entered the conflict, with over 800,000 individuals displaced in Lebanon alone.

Here's a concerning point for every Nigerian: Iran claims that both Russia and China are providing military assistance. The Iranian Foreign Minister confirmed substantial cooperation, including military support. The Kremlin has openly stated its stance, rejecting neutrality.

China's situation is particularly sensitive. Ninety percent of Iranian oil exports are directed to China, which began trading these exports in renminbi back in April 2025. The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for China's energy strategy. Analysts speculate that China may view this as an opportunity to challenge US dominance while safeguarding its Belt and Road investments.

This sequence of events closely resembles the genesis of both World Wars—regional tensions leading to complex alliances and cascading conflicts. Should Iran falter, Russia and China might enhance their involvement, prompting NATO's response. Trump is already urging allies to assist in securing Hormuz, with most nations having thus far declined, though the pressure is intensifying.

Even without a potential world war, this situation spells trouble for us. Nigeria's oil production remains below OPEC quotas. While elevated global prices theoretically translate to increased revenue—2026's budget relied on a benchmark of $64.85, with current prices surpassing $100—that revenue means little if the average citizen suffers from escalated transport and food costs.

Who allowed this predicament to unfold? The war was not initiated by Iran or solely by America—it results from decisions made in distant capitals by individuals who will never face the consequences of sky-high fuel prices. They won’t experience the queues at filling stations, nor will they have to choose between food and transport.

As we stand here, praying, “Allah ya rufamana asiri”—that our secrets remain hidden—Bwala has willingly unveiled them in London while wars unwrap them in the Middle East.

God, when will this end? As we often say: this life is truly unbalanced.