The leadership of the National Assembly assembled at the Presidential Villa to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after Presidential Spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale’s statement that the President will not be addressing the National Assembly on Wednesday.
This came after conflicting statements from both presidential spokespersons Bayo Onanuga and Ajuri Ngelale on Tuesday sparked confusion over President Bola Tinubu’s planned activities to mark his one year in office.
Earlier announcements by Magaji Tambuwal, the clerk of the National Assembly, indicated that Tinubu would deliver a “state of the nation” address at a joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives. Tambuwal also mentioned that the president would inaugurate the National Assembly library.
Onanuga, corroborating Tambuwal’s statement, detailed Tinubu’s address at the parliament as part of the anniversary activities.
Onanuga, in a statement, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not make a broadcast to the nation on Wednesday to celebrate his first anniversary as the leader of Nigeria.
“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 Centre, now to be known as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Building. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, May 28, 2024”.
Ajuri Ngelale however in a statement, refuted the claim, stating that the information was “false and unauthorized” and that the Office of the President was not involved in planning the event.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the Presidency stated that the office of the President was never involved in the planning of the event hence no green light was given for the President to speak at the planned programme.
It, however, stressed that President Tinubu will continue to inaugurate projects across the country as part of his commitment to delivering good governance to the citizenry.
The Presidency in the three-paragraph release stated, “In furtherance of his commitment to delivering good governance, President Bola Tinubu has embarked on the inauguration of strategic projects across the country.
“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, (Wednesday), May 29, 2024, it is important to state that this information is false and unauthorised as the Office of the President was not involved in the planning of the event”.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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