By Damilare Adeleye
President Bola Tinubu has accepted the memo from Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity and Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action over plan to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.
Recall that in a statement issued on Saturday, Ngelale announced his decision, saying that he stepped down from his roles to deal with medical matters presently affecting his immediate and nuclear family.
His statement read, “On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate nuclear family.
“While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.
“I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit. I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and me during this time.”
Consequently, in a statement anonymously issued on Saturday night, the Presidency said President Tinubu extended his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment.
“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.
“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.
“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors. During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”