Ajuri Ngelale, Presidential Spokesman, Steps Aside

By Ayodele Oni

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, has stepped  aside from his position.

Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, September 7, 2024, said the decision was informed by medical reasons.

The Presidential Spokesman, who doubles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, said he had on Friday submitted a memo on him proceeding on indefinite leave of absence to the Chief of Staff to the president.

Ngelale said: “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 I during this time.”