Ajuri Ngelale: Did He Resign or Fired as Tinubu’s Media Adviser?

Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has announced his resignation due to pressing health issues within his immediate family. The Nigerian Presidency confirmed the news in a statement released late Saturday, signaling a significant shift in the administration’s communication strategy.

Ngelale, appointed on July 31, 2023, has played a key role in managing the public narrative surrounding President Tinubu‘s policies and initiatives. His resignation follows a memo submitted to the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, requesting an indefinite leave of absence. This leave also affects his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

The Presidency stated that President Tinubu received Ngelale‘s memo and expressed understanding and sympathy for his personal and family health concerns, acknowledging his contributions to the national discourse on climate action and other critical matters.

However, Ngelale‘s departure has sparked controversy on social media. Some users and reports claim that Ngelale was not resigning due to health issues but was instead dismissed, with posts under hashtags like #AjuriNgelale suggesting internal conflicts or performance problems as the real reasons for his exit. One post alleged, “EXCLUSIVE: Ajuri Ngelale Did Not Resign Due to ‘Vexatious Medical Situation’. He Was Fired,” fueling debate among netizens and political analysts.

Despite these claims, official statements and Ngelale‘s communications consistently cite health and family reasons for his leave. The divergence between these official accounts and social media speculation highlights the blurred lines between fact and conjecture in the digital era.

Ngelale‘s tenure was marked by both accomplishments and criticisms. He faced backlash for various statements, such as his announcement regarding the resumption of flights by Etihad and Emirates Airlines into Nigeria, which drew scrutiny over the agreement’s details. His handling of media relations earned mixed reactions, with some praising his communication skills while others criticized his perceived disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

As Ngelale steps down, the Tinubu administration now faces the challenge of appointing a new adviser who can effectively manage the complex landscape of Nigerian politics and public opinion. The Presidency has requested privacy for Ngelale and his family during this difficult time and emphasized his service and contributions to the nation.