Nigeria – Spokesperson To Nigeria’s President, Tinubu Resigns

By Onoja Baba, Abuja, Nigeria

The Special Adviser to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has announced his resignation.

Ngelale revealed that he stepped down from his role to focus on urgent health issues affecting his nuclear family.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday, Ngelale disclosed that he had informed Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, of his decision to take an indefinite leave of absence.

“On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family,” the statement read.

Ngelale further explained that the decision was not made lightly, noting that it came after significant discussions with his family as a worsening medical situation demanded his full attention. He acknowledged the urgency of his departure given the challenges faced at home.

“While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision… was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home,” he added.

Ngelale served as President Tinubu’s spokesperson and was also the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen. He expressed a hope to return to public service when “time, healing, and fate permit” and requested privacy for himself and his family during this difficult period.

His resignation marks a notable shift in the President’s communication team, and it remains to be seen how the administration will fill this critical role amidst the backdrop of Ngelale’s departure.