Why I Stepped Down As Presidential Spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale Opens Up

The New Diplomat
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By Abiola Olawale

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has announced his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence, signaling his resignation as Spokesperson to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Ngelale, who made this known in a statement issued on Saturday, explained that the decision was taken after significant consultations with his family over the past days as a vexatious medical situation had worsened.

He added that he has sent a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveying his decision.

Ngelale also stated that he has also stepped down as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

The statement reads in part: “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.

“While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.

“I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit. I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and me during this time.”

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