Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has announced his resignation due to pressing health issues in his immediate family. The Nigerian presidency confirmed the news in a statement released late Saturday, signaling a significant shift in the administration’s communications strategy.
Ngelale, who was appointed on July 31, 2023, has been instrumental in managing the public discourse surrounding President Tinubu’s policies and initiatives. His resignation follows a memorandum sent to the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, requesting an indefinite leave of absence. The leave also affects his role as Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
The Presidency stated that President Tinubu had received Ngelale’s memorandum and expressed understanding and sympathy for his personal and family health concerns, and acknowledged his contributions to the national discussion on climate change action and other important issues.
However, Ngelale’s departure has sparked controversy on social media. Some users and reports have suggested that Ngelale did not resign due to health issues but was instead fired, with posts under hashtags like #AjuriNgelale suggesting internal conflict or performance issues were the real reasons for his departure. One post alleged, “EXCLUSIVE: Ajuri Ngelale Not Resigning Due To ‘Uncomfortable Medical Situation’. He Has Been Fired,” caused controversy among netizens and political analysts.
Despite these claims, Ngelale’s official statements and communications have consistently cited health and family reasons for his departure. The discrepancy between these official accounts and social media speculation highlights the blurred line between fact and speculation in the digital age.
Ngelale’s tenure has been marked by both achievements and criticism. He has faced backlash for various statements, such as his announcement of the resumption of Etihad and Emirates Airlines flights to Nigeria, which has drawn scrutiny over the details of the deal. His handling of media relations has received mixed reactions, with some praising his communication skills while others criticizing his perceived disconnect from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians.
With Ngelale stepping down, the Tinubu administration now faces the challenge of appointing a new adviser who can effectively navigate the complex landscape of Nigerian politics and public opinion. The Presidency has requested privacy for Ngelale and his family during this difficult time, stressing his service and contributions to the country.
