The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has stepped down from his role with immediate effect.
The announcement came through a memo submitted to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Friday.
In his statement, Ngelale cited pressing medical issues affecting his immediate family as the primary reason for this decision.
“This agonising decision was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home,” Ngelale explained.
The leave of absence will impact Ngelale’s multiple roles within the administration.
In addition to his position as Presidential Spokesperson, he will also temporarily step away from his duties as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
Ngelale acknowledged the importance of his responsibilities, stating, “While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonising decision was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days.”
The duration of Ngelale’s absence remains uncertain, as he described it as an “indefinite leave.”
However, he expressed his intention to return to his national service roles once circumstances allow.
“I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit,” Ngelale added.
Ngelale is a Nigerian journalist, editor, author, reporter, and columnist. He was born on the 12th of November 1980 to a Nigerian father and a German mother.
Ajuri was born in the United States but hails from Rivers State, Nigeria. He was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs.