Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, recently addressed the issue of division or confusion among the ranks of presidential spokespersons.
In an interview on ‘TVC’s Politics,’ Ngelale clarified that there is no such discord within their team.
The situation arose when, on May 28, both Ngelale and Bayo Onanuga (the special adviser to the president on information and strategy) issued separate statements regarding the President’s activities marking his one year in office. While Onanuga announced that the President would deliver a speech to a joint sitting of the national assembly on May 31 to commemorate the anniversary, Ngelale countered by asserting that Tinubu would not address the lawmakers.
Ngelale, in addressing the matter, expressed his disappointment at the commentary attempting to sow confusion and division within the office of the president. He emphasized that he holds Bayo Onanuga—a respected elder colleague—in high regard.
Reflecting on their respective paths, Ngelale shared a poignant perspective. “When I was in primary school,” he said, “Onanuga was risking his life fighting against murderous oppressors on the streets of Lagos.” Onanuga’s commitment to defending the rights of Nigerians during challenging times left a lasting impression on Ngelale.
Ngelale firmly rejected any notion that he considers himself on par with Onanuga. “Anybody trying to create that impression should stop the conversation,” he asserted. “Onanuga is somebody I revere a lot.”
