|
Listen to article
|
In a development that has raised eyebrows in political circles, Ajuri Ngelale, the president’s special adviser on media and publicity, has opted for an open-ended leave of absence. As the president’s chief communicator, Ngelale’s prolonged absence will likely have significant implications for the administration’s media strategy.
According to Ngelale, the decision to take an indefinite leave was made after intense family discussions, prompted by a deteriorating medical condition that had become increasingly unbearable. With his health taking precedence, Ngelale has stepped back to focus on his well-being.
In a statement released on Saturday, Ngelale revealed his decision to take an indefinite leave, citing health reasons. He also disclosed that he had formally notified the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, in a memo, ensuring a seamless transition of his responsibilities.
In addition to his leave, Ngelale has relinquished his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, marking a comprehensive exit from his presidential responsibilities.
“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,” he said.
“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.
Read also: No Skeletons In The Closet — Telegram’s Durov After Arrest
“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.”
President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson has revealed plans to take a temporary sabbatical from his duties, leaving a void in the president’s communication team. This strategic move will see him temporarily relinquish his role, allowing for a fresh voice to step in and bring new insights to the fore.
