Conflicting Signals: Onanuga, Ajuri Disagree on Tinubu's N'Assembly Address

“Tinubu will speak at the assembly” and “It's untrue” —Onanuga and Ajuri make opposite claims.

Regarding President Bola Tinubu's commemorative plans for one year in office, two distinct comments from presidential spokespersons Bayo Onanuga and Ajuri Ngelale are causing confusion.

Tinubu would give a speech on the “state of the nation” before the joint session of the senate and house of representatives on Tuesday morning, according to Magaji Tambuwal, clerk of the national parliament.

The national assembly library will also be opened by the president, according to Tambuwal.

A few hours later, Tinubu's speech in the parliament is one of the events to commemorate his first year in office, according to Onanuga, the president's special assistant on information and strategy. Onanuga confirmed Tambuwal's claim.

"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 in a statement.

"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.

Ajuri said in a statement: “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 the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Building. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, May 28, 2024.

“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.”