The presidency has labeled as false and unauthorized a statement made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Onanuga had announced that President Bola Tinubu would address a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, to mark his first anniversary in office.
Onanuga claimed that the lawmakers had organized a program to celebrate 25 years of Nigeria’s democratic journey, and that President Tinubu’s speech would highlight the achievements of his administration and Nigeria’s progress since 1999.
However, a statement from Ajuri Ngelale, another Special Adviser to the President, contradicted Onanuga’s claims. Ngelale clarified that President Tinubu was not involved in planning any such event.
STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ADDRESS JOINT SITTING OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TOMORROW
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not make a broadcast to the nation on Wednesday to celebrate his first anniversary as the leader of Nigeria.
Instead, the President will… pic.twitter.com/hXRHZS19Gh
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) May 28, 2024
“In line with his commitment to delivering good governance, President Bola Tinubu has been focused on inaugurating strategic projects across the country. More transformative projects will be launched by his administration for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Ngelale stated.
Addressing the public speculation about the president’s address to the National Assembly, Ngelale emphasized, “This information is false and unauthorized. The Office of the President was not involved in the planning of this event.”
This incident has highlighted a lack of coordination within the president’s communication team. Despite the presidency’s clarification, Onanuga had not removed his original statement from Twitter at the time of this report.
