The Nation

Tinubu’s administration committed to free press, says Ajuri Ngelale

August 1, 2023 8:56 pm

Ajuri Ngelale, the special adviser on media and publicity to President Bola Tinubu

Ajuri Ngelale, the special adviser on media and publicity to President Bola Tinubu, says the administration is committed to a free press.

TheCable reported on Monday that Tinubu appointed Ngelale as his media aide.

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Ngelale said his principal’s administration seeks to promote transparency, hold public office holders accountable, and open up the presidency to the public.

He added that Tinubu’s administration will ensure a zero-tolerance policy towards media repression and institutional arrogance in government communications.

“I humbly accepted the appointment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as his special adviser on media and publicity and as the official spokesperson of the president,” Ngelale said.

“I believe the first and most important point I would want to make is that this institution belongs to Nigerians. It does not belong to any political parties, it does not belong to any public officials.

“It belongs to over 200 million citizens of this country both at home and abroad. And it is with that understanding that we will be engaging the world.

“We believe it is the right, not a privilege but the right of every Nigerian to have full access into the affairs of the presidential villa, into the affairs of the office of the president and the office of the vice president.

“We will be more open in terms of providing access to information to radio networks, television networks, newspapers and online news media than ever before.

“We are committed to ensuring that there is a zero-tolerance policy on every spokesperson and every media functionary that works here in the government in terms of how we relate with Nigerians through the press.

“Gone forever, by the grace of God, are the days when government spokesmen and women will speak down to Nigerians or would use condescending language on Nigerians and would display some form of institutional arrogance on Nigerians. That would not happen under my leadership.”