President Bola Tinubu has accepted Ajuri Ngelale’s decision to proceed on indefinite leave.
On Saturday, Ngelale, special adviser to Tinubu on media and publicity, said he is embarking on an “indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters” affecting his immediate, nuclear family.
Ngelale, in a statement said he submitted a memo to that effect to Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the President on Friday, September 6, 2024.
According to the statement, which was also confirmed from the President’s Media office, Ngelale said: “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 frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.”
He continued, “While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.”
He, however, stated that he “looks forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit. I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and I during this time”
In a statement issued on Saturday night, the presidency said Tinubu sympathises with the circumstances that led to Ngelale’s difficult decision.
“The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons,” the statement reads.
“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.
“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives. The President wishes him well in all his future endeavours.”
The presidency said Ngelale’s privacy and that of his family should be respected “during this period”.
