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The True Reasons Behind Ajuri Ngelale’s Resignation as Tinubu’s Spokesman

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on September 8th, 2024.

Recent revelations shed light on Ajuri Ngelale’s unexpected resignation from his role as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity. Ngelale announced on Saturday that he was taking an indefinite leave to address urgent health issues within his family.

In his announcement, Ngelale stated, “On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President indicating my decision to take an indefinite leave of absence to tackle pressing medical concerns affecting my immediate family. Despite understanding that governmental affairs continue unabated, this difficult decision to step away from my roles as Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Official Spokesman, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen was made after extensive family consultations.”

While Ngelale attributed his departure to “medical matters,” insiders have revealed to DAILY NIGERIAN that his resignation might be more complex. It appears that he was given a gentle nudge to resign from his position as presidential spokesman but chose to step down from all his roles.

Since his appointment, which was reportedly influenced by the first family, there has been internal pressure to find a replacement with stronger media relations skills or someone who better aligns with the president’s preferences.

Sources also indicate that Ngelale’s relationship with other media aides was strained, partly due to his perceived exclusion of them in office operations. Additionally, the multiple roles Ngelale undertook, including being Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, reportedly led to role strain and dissatisfaction among the presidential staff.

The sources revealed that the president’s inner circle suggested Ngelale choose between his media role and his climate action position. Despite his passion for climate advocacy, Ngelale opted to remain as the presidential spokesman. Consequently, the presidential cabal directed him to resign from his media role and focus solely on climate diplomacy. Faced with this ultimatum, Ngelale chose to resign from all his positions.