Confusion Over President Tinubu’s Scheduled Address to National Assembly

Confusion has engulfed the presidency regarding President Bola Tinubu’s planned address to the National Assembly. Earlier on Tuesday, May 28, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, announced via his X handle that President Tinubu would address a joint session of the National Assembly. Onanuga emphasized that this address would replace a broadcast to the nation on Wednesday, traditionally marking Tinubu’s first anniversary as Nigeria’s leader.

Onanuga detailed that President Tinubu’s speech would highlight the achievements of his administration and the progress of Nigeria’s democracy since the military handed over power in 1999. Additionally, former Senate President David Mark, the current Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and former military ruler General Abdulsalami Abubakar were listed as speakers. The event would culminate with the commissioning of the National Assembly Library and Resource Center, to be named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Building.

Conflicting Statements from Presidential Advisers

However, confusion deepened when Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, refuted Onanuga’s claims. Ngelale declared the information “false and unauthorized,” asserting that the Office of the President was not involved in planning the event. This contradiction highlighted a significant lack of coordination within President Tinubu’s media team, casting doubt on the administration’s ability to effectively communicate with the public.

Ngelale’s statement aimed to clarify the situation, emphasizing that there was no scheduled address to the National Assembly, contrary to Onanuga’s announcement. This discrepancy underscored internal miscommunication and stirred public confusion about the President Tinubu actual plans. The rapid succession of conflicting messages not only disrupted public expectations but also questioned the unity and effectiveness of President Tinubu’s communication strategy.

President Tinubu’s Presence Confirms Original Announcement Amidst Chaos

Despite the conflicting statements, President Tinubu did indeed address the joint session of the National Assembly on May 29, 2024. His presence validated Onanuga’s initial announcement, yet the episode revealed significant shortcomings in the coordination among the President Tinubu media advisers. The event, which included speeches from notable political figures and the commissioning of the National Assembly Library and Resource Center, highlighted the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration and celebrated 25 years of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The incident demonstrates a critical need for better alignment and communication within the President’s media team. The lack of a unified message not only confuses the public but also undermines the credibility of the administration. Moving forward, it is essential for President Tinubu’s team to ensure cohesive and accurate dissemination of information to maintain public trust and effectively communicate the administration’s initiatives and achievements.

Public Spat Between President Tinubu’s Aides Causes Social Media Frenzy

A public disagreement between two of President Tinubu’s key advisers has sparked significant debate and concern on social media. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, and Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media, found themselves at odds over the release of information pertaining to the President. This clash has raised questions about the coordination and communication within the President’s team.

The controversy began when Onanuga released a statement that Ngelale had not sanctioned. This led to a backlash from social media users, who criticized the lack of synergy between the two advisers. Lanre Bam, an active commentator on X (formerly known as Twitter), expressed disappointment, stating, “Such a shameful thing. President’s spokesman can’t confirm a simple thing like this but his SA on information and strategy can. No synergy. Bickering and whatever from president aides? We are in for a long ride if true.” This sentiment was echoed by many others, indicating widespread concern over the potential implications for the administration’s effectiveness.

Social Media Users Demand Better Coordination Among Presidential Aides

The incident quickly became a trending topic on social media, with many users voicing their opinions on the apparent lack of coordination within the President Tinubu advisory team. Journalist KC suggested that Onanuga’s statement might have been released without Ngelale’s approval, hinting at a deeper issue of internal communication. “Ajuri’s statement was more like Bayo didn’t get permission from him, cause there was no need to release that stuff yesterday,” KC posted, reflecting the confusion and concern among observers.

Other commentators called for the advisers to work together more effectively to present a unified front. E King noted, “Both of them should learn to work together, this isn’t a good look on the president’s aides,” while another user, identifying as “The Scientist,” remarked, “There is no coordination in this govt. Everyone is operating on different frequency. How can a spokesperson release an unauthorized statement to the public? There you have another spokesperson issuing a counter statement! Does this look like a serious govt?” These comments highlight the public’s expectation for a more cohesive and coordinated communication strategy from the President’s office.

As the debate continues, the President Tinubu aides are under pressure to demonstrate improved cooperation and communication to restore confidence in the administration’s ability to manage information effectively.