The Presidency has firmly denied reports that President Bola Tinubu will address a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday. This announcement, issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, categorically labeled the earlier reports as false and unauthorized.
No National Assembly Address Planned
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, speaking on behalf of the Presidency, clarified that the Office of the President was not involved in planning any such event. “In view of public commentary concerning the President delivering a speech before a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly tomorrow, May 29, 2024, it is important to state that this information is false and unauthorized as the Office of the President was not involved in the planning of the event,” Ngelale stated in a written statement.
This denial came in direct contradiction to an earlier announcement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga had indicated that President Tinubu would indeed address a joint session of the 10th National Assembly on Wednesday in Abuja. Onanuga’s statement read, “Instead, the President will address a joint session of the National Assembly, which has lined up a program to commemorate 25 years of the nation’s democratic journey at both the executive and legislative levels.”
Contradictory Announcements Cause Confusion
The conflicting announcements from different presidential advisors have sparked confusion among the public and media. The initial statement by Onanuga suggested that President Tinubu’s address was part of a broader commemoration of Nigeria’s democratic milestones. However, Ngelale’s later clarification emphasized that no such address was scheduled and that any such plans were unauthorized.
The confusion was further compounded by the timing of the announcements. Onanuga’s statement seemed to be aligned with the President’s first anniversary in office, suggesting a significant occasion for the address. In contrast, Ngelale’s rebuttal focused on maintaining the administration’s message of ongoing governance and strategic project inaugurations without the need for a formal address to the National Assembly.
Focus on Governance and Projects
Amid the controversy, the Presidency has reiterated its commitment to good governance and the delivery of strategic projects across Nigeria. President Tinubu’s administration, now marking its first year in office, has prioritized the inauguration of various projects aimed at enhancing national development and improving the lives of Nigerians.
“In furtherance of his commitment to delivering good governance, President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated strategic projects across the country. The administration will inaugurate more transformative projects for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Ngelale noted in his statement.
The President’s focus remains on tangible progress and development. Despite the confusion surrounding the National Assembly address, the administration continues to push forward with its agenda, highlighting its achievements and future plans. These projects, which span various sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, and education, are central to the administration’s vision of a prosperous and well-developed Nigeria.
As Nigeria marks the first anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, the focus is on the accomplishments and ongoing efforts to drive the nation’s development.
Source: Punch
