Confusion trails President Bola Tinubu’s one year’s anniversary speech slated for today, May 29, as his two prominent spokespersons – Ajuri Ngelale and Bayo Onanuga contradicted each other.
Tinubu clocks one year in office as he was inaugurated as the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, in Abuja.
In commemoration of President Tinubu’s first anniversary, both spokesmen issued contradictory statements.
Earlier this week, Onanuga, special adviser to the President on information and strategy, said his principal would not make a conventional nationwide broadcast, but instead, he would address a joint session of the National Assembly.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not make a broadcast to the nation on Wednesday to celebrate his first anniversary as the leader of Nigeria,” Onanuga said.
“Instead, the President will address a joint session of the National Assembly, which has lined up a programme to commemorate 25 years of the nation’s democratic journey at both the executive and legislative levels.
“President Tinubu’s speech will dwell on the achievements of his administration and Nigeria’s democracy since the military ceded power in 1999.
“Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, former speaker of the House of Representatives and now President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila are all lined up to address the parliament.
“Also lined up to speak is the former military ruler, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who handed over power to civilian administration in 1999.
“At the end of the speeches, President Tinubu will commission the National Assembly Library and Resource Center, now to be known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Building.”
Meanwhile, Ngelale, special adviser to the President on media and publicity dismissed Onanuga’s statement labelling it as “false”.
“In furtherance of his commitment to delivering good governance, President Bola Tinubu has embarked on the inauguration of strategic projects across the country,” Ngelale said.
“More transformative projects will be inaugurated by President Tinubu’s administration for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“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.”
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