The Real Reason Ajuri Ngelale Resigned as Tinubu Spokesperson — Report

 

 

Details have emerged as to why Ajuri Ngelale, President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, resigned from his post on Saturday.

According to a PREMIUM TIMES report, although Mr Ngelale claimed to have stepped aside to attend to medical matters affecting his family, he actually resigned from office after he began to suspect that he might be humiliated and forced out of office.

The report states that in recent weeks the presidency had been looking for an experienced and competent media professional to replace Mr Ngelale.

Sources within the administration say that so far the journalist has not demonstrated sufficient ability to carry out his work effectively.

Mr. Ngelale has held two key positions simultaneously: Special Advisor to the President on Media and Publicity and Special Envoy to the President for Climate Action/Chair of the Presidential Steering Committee for Project Evergreen.

However, sources say the presidency has recently tasked Mr Ngelale to focus on his role in climate action, while another person has been appointed to serve as media adviser and spokesperson to the president.

But when Mr Ngelale expressed his preference to retain the post of media adviser but give up the one on climate change, the presidency declined the offer.

He was told he could remain part of the president’s media team, but would still have to be managed by a newly appointed person for the job, people familiar with the matter said.

This exchange and subsequent events at the presidential villa rattled Mr Ngelale. For weeks, he was barred from meeting Mr Tinubu and was not included in the president’s delegation to China, our sources said.

President Tinubu, who came to power last year, appointed Mr Ngelale as his spokesperson in August 2023, urging him to bring his vast experience to the post.

Government sources told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Ngelale was appointed on the recommendation of Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son.

But not long after the appointment, sources said it became clear to the president, his son and some members of his cabinet that Mr Ngelale lacked the “experience, contacts and networks” needed for the job.

Before becoming a media advisor to Mr Tinubu, Mr Ngelale was one of the spokespersons on the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The Real Reason Ajuri Ngelale Resigned as Tinubu Spokesperson — Report

He started his journalism career in 2011 as a radio host for Africa Independent Television and later Channels TV. His total media experience is less than eight years.

Previously, Mr Ngelale served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs in the office of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Presidency sources said that when Mr Ngelale saw that he could no longer have access to the president, he decided to step down from office. “He was basically isolated even from those who had brought him into office,” one of our sources said.

According to sources within the presidency, President Tinubu and his team expected better performance from Mr Ngelale.

“Apart from his occasional TV appearances, Mr Ngelale was unreachable even by journalists,” one official said. “He rarely responded to messages or returned calls.”

Another official said the spokesperson had little contact with local and international media and enjoyed little respect from media owners, editors and top journalists in Nigeria.

“It is a misnomer and a miscalculation on the part of the President to appoint such a young journalist to such an important position. It is not surprising that he has failed to deliver on his promises,” the official said.

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Last year, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) questioned Mr Ngelale’s qualifications and competence as the President’s spokesperson.

The NIPR said Mr Ngelale was “unfit” to hold that “high position” because he did not possess the “required basic knowledge and training in public relations”.

In a statement released on Saturday evening, President Tinubu accepted Mr Ngelale’s exit plan and “sympathizes with the circumstances that led to this seemingly difficult decision.” Mr Tinubu extended his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Mr Ngelale and his family at this difficult time.

Mr Ngelale said his decision to leave was “distressing”, despite being made after “significant consultations” with his family in recent days.

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