Tinubu receives Ngelale’s memo on indefinite leave, wishes him and family well ─Presidency

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives a memo from Ajuri Ngelale, his official Spokesman, to proceed on an indefinite leave for personal and health reasons, thanking him for his tireless efforts, dedication, and remarkable contributions, in various capacities, especially to advancing national discourse, while wishing him and family well

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Presidency Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Abuja, FCT, confirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had received a memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Official Spokesman of the President, and Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing Tinubu of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.

The Presidency, in a statement, said Tinubu accepted Ngelale’s reasons for the indefinite leave, noting that he “fully understands them and sympathises with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.”

It also said while extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, President Tinubu 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 endeavors,” noted the statement.

The Nigerian Government, as well added “during this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”

ConsumerConnect reports Ngelale, earlier Saturday, had disclosed that he passed a memo to Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President, intimating him with his need to begin an indefinite leave of absence over medical issues affecting his nuclear family.

The Presidential Spokesman, who was on the recent China trip with Tinubu, also explained that he needed to frontally deal with the condition, and hoped to return fully to work if healing and fate permit.

Ajuri stated: “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 frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.

“While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonising 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 added: “I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.”