Reactions have poured in following the announcement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Publicity, that he is taking an indefinite leave of absence,Daily Trust reports.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Ngelale shared that he had informed the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, of his decision, citing pressing health concerns within his immediate family as the reason for his leave.
The statement read: “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 address medical issues currently affecting my nuclear family.
“Although I understand that the affairs of the state wait for no one, this difficult decision — pausing my duties as the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Presidential Spokesperson, Special Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was made after thorough consultation with my family due to a worsening medical situation at home. I hope to resume national service when healing and circumstances permit. I kindly ask for privacy for my family during this period.”
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Nigerians have since taken to social media to share their views.
On X (formerly Twitter), Senator Shehu Sani @ShehuSani tweeted: “Ajuri can now rest, sleep, eat well, switch off his phone, and maybe even gain some weight.”
Jaafar Jaafar @JaafarSJaafar commented: “Ajuri Ngelale is the first presidential spokesperson who got the job more for his TV appearance and foreign accent than his media expertise. He was brought in to polish the president’s image, but his inflated ego and attitude soon clashed with others around Tinubu.”
Queen Bee @QueenBee_ said: “Maybe he wasn’t lying enough, so they asked him to step aside and let Onanuga take over the full-time lying duties.”
Safety Cabal @gabriel_bolatit added: “We probably won’t miss him, maybe only for announcing appointments.”
FEJIRO @realFejiro remarked: “It’s no surprise Ajuri Ngelale stepped down. It must be exhausting defending someone like Tinubu. To do so, you’d have to abandon integrity and logic, turning black into white. Best of luck to him.”
Ifeanyi Ejechi @ifeanyi_ej53035 questioned: “What exactly is an ‘indefinite leave of absence’? Sounds like he was gently shown the door without being outright dismissed.”
Adamu Ibrahim Aliyu @hrh_aia said: “I respect Ajuri for being one of the few spokespersons mindful of citizens when addressing them. Best of luck to him.”
Dr Croc @MgajiInnocent shared: “Ajuri Ngelale is just 37, but has achieved a lot. At first, his speeches were engaging, but over time, the lies became evident. And this is coming from me, an APC member.”
Emma ik Umeh (Tcee) @emmaikumeh remarked: “Ajuri Ngelale must be tired of defending this government. It’s not easy telling lies to Nigerians.”
Shafi’i Hamidu @shafiihamidu tweeted: “The Tinubu administration probably frustrated Ajuri. He was the best spokesperson, speaking with facts. It’s a shame he left.”
Facebook users also weighed in.
Mazi Ifeanyi Nweze commented: “His conscience wouldn’t let him continue defending an obvious failure of a president. He’s distancing himself from this mess. Good for him.”
Hamma S. Idi added: “I salute his courage for leaving, despite the benefits he was enjoying. Bravo to him.”
Okpueze Emerueh remarked: “Kudos to him. Defending a clueless government is no easy task. Let the Lagos boys take over as usual.”
Muhammad Gaddafi Rabiu said: “The top PR guy has resigned. He’s likely tired of the incompetence. I hope his former boss is next to step down.”
