- Ngelale recently resigned from his roles as President Tinubu's spokesman, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen because of medical matters affecting his immediate nuclear family
- However, some sources said he resigned as a result of incompetence
- TheRadar compiled some reactions from Nigerians online
Ajuri Ngelale, who holds a position as the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, recently resigned from office. Also, he is a broadcast journalist who has served as a Senior Reporter and Presenter at Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Channels Television.
According to him, he stepped down to deal with medical matters affecting his immediate nuclear family. He has held the position of Special Adviser to PBAT since August 1, 2023, reportedly at the recommendation of Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son.
However, some sources said Ngelale was sacked because of incompetency. President Tinubu, in his response, expressed his well wishes for Ngelale and his family.
Netizens react to Ngelale's resignation
TheRadar compiled the following reactions from the public to Ngelale's resignation.
@PrinceSomorin wrote:
“I don’t know the truth in this situation, but my corporate experience has led me to believe that “resigning for health reasons” is almost always a fallacy. I couldn’t tell you what he did for the government but I know what @tokunbo_wahab does. As an example. Let your actions speak louder than words. Good actions. I wish him luck in his future endeavours.”
“There were rumours that he was in a power tussle with Onanuga some weeks ago. Bayo would say one thing, but Ajuri would oppose it.😂 It depended on whose tongue could reach farthest into the druggie's ass. We know who.”
“Why didn't you release whatever findings you've got before now? Let's respect his privacy fgs. MUST we have something to say all the time? Chief Ajuri and his family need privacy at this time, simple.”
@TheManAfricano:
“I knew it. Do people resign from power in Africa?”
“He didn't grasp their strategy before diving in. Wish him luck. To succeed, he needs to think and act like they do to remain in office.”
“Is it possible, after what APC has put the country through, to have a President in Nigeria who'd go back to when appointments reflected the heterogeneous makeup of the country and, just as importantly, project cutting-edge expertise and competence of the characters appointed?”
“Whatever conspiracy theories you conjure, I believe it's your perspective. Ajuri has made his decision based on the reason he's going on leave, I believe him. I hope if he returns you won't change the goalpost.”
@omonlakiki:
“Ajuri Ngelale’s resignation as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity won’t salvage President Bola Tinubu’s tarnished image or the dysfunction of his administration. Ngelale’s supposed “indefinite leave” is nothing more than a pathetic face-saving ploy. Contrary to claims of medical reasons, his departure is a result of the same bigotry and paranoia that plague Tinubu’s regime. This administration’s propensity for deceit means they’ve even lied about the nature of Ngelale’s exit.
“The Tinubu administration’s habitual dishonesty blurs the line between fact and fiction, making truth elusive. With around 15 media aides already on the payroll, there's no need for a new appointment; any one of them could step in. No matter how much you dress up a shalanga (pit latrine), it remains foul. Similarly, no PR stunt can fix the stench of the Tinubu administration. Under Tinubu, Nigeria is experiencing its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, with the naira tanking, petrol prices soaring, and food inflation over 40%. Insecurity remains rampant, all due to the administration’s incompetence. Ngelale’s exit reveals that Tinubu is no longer in control, leaving the Villa to a cabal aligned with Bayo Onanuga, a figure whose ethnic bigotry mirrors Tinubu’s values more than Ngelale’s measured approach.”
@Waspapping_:
"Ajuri Ngelale will finally get some peaceful sleep. It's not easy defending this government and constantly deceiving Nigerians. I'm genuinely happy for him."
@MalAminuBello:
“I assure you. Ajuri Ngelale will finally experience some peaceful rest. It's challenging to defend this government and constantly mislead Nigerians. I'm genuinely pleased for him.”
@Alaminjr01:
“I think this is the most difficult decision taken by a highly personnel close to the president to resign from his position which is very highly competitive to be appointed. However, this position is highly lucrative but he turned down his appointment.”
@BMgbere:
“The meaning of his name Ajuri is "Peace" & he must have aligned with the purpose of his name.”
@AkoredeBadmus:
“So many people are forming baseless reasons for Ajuri Ngelale’s break from government roles. Some said it’s not an easy task to defend this administration while APC apologists believed he was forced to resign because he hasn’t been performing so well.”
@jdeshikat:
“Now he knows better than to side with a government like this. Twice I encountered Tinubu in my dreams and none of them was good. I de learn to cast and bind.”
@Jaysling1:
“He is not innocent, though, and didn't resign because of the love he has for Nigeria. Rather, he was labelled to be sacked and only resigned so he would save face. Served in Buhari's government, served in this worst administration so far, for what it's worth, I don't pity him a bit.”
@EmekaChukwunen2:
“Ajuri resigned when he couldn't continue the trajectory of lying to Nigerians. Your lies and bigotry were the reasons this government came to be. We are waiting for your apology from this demonic group.”
@QUEENOFDBLUES1:
“Ajuri resigned when he couldn't continue the trajectory of lying to Nigerians. Your lies and bigotry were the reasons this government came to be. We are waiting for your apology from this demonic group.”
@Kalu_harmony:
“This is long overdue. Bayo Onanuga and the chief of staff made the position hot on him.....they have long wanted him removed and replaced with a Yoruba person whom they can easily control. Welcome back, Mr Ajuri; you are too young to make a career.”
@Augustjpeg:
“Man was a decent reporter in AIT; while I was growing up, I loved any report from Abuja because he was always the one giving those reports, and at the end, you'll hear "Ajuri Ngelale, AIT News Abuja". Then I didn't hear anything from him again after a while, then boom I saw him lying on arise TV interview before the elections and I was super surprised because this guy was like the best in my eyes. Well, if he resigned because of his health as stated, then he should rest. The lies are too much abeg!! I h@te him right now. APC happened to him."
@PSMichael5:
“Arise TV interview before the elections and I was super surprised because this guy was like the best in my eyes. Well, if he resigned because of his health as stated, then he should rest. The lies are too much abeg!! I h@te him right now. APC happened to him.”
10 Nigerian politicians who resigned from office
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously compiled a list of 10 Nigerian politicians who have resigned from office. Resignations from high offices are a rare occurrence in Nigerian politics; they often signal significant shifts or crises within the government. However, in many democratic countries, resignations are more commonly used to address personal or political reasons.
The politicians who have resigned from office include Simon Lalong, Rotimi Amaechi, Salihu Sagir Takai, Salisu Buhari and Aisha Alhassan.
