Confusion As Presidency Counters Self On Tinubu’s Addressing A Joint Session Of National Assembly

There seems to be a mix-up in the presidency as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spokesman, on Monday, countered an earlier statement indicating plans by the President to address a joint session of the National Assembly, as part of programme to commemorate 25 years of the nation’s democratic journey.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, in an earlier statement, had announced that President Tinubu will not make a broadcast to the nation on Wednesday to celebrate his first anniversary as the leader of Nigeria.

Instead, the statement which was distributed through the various official channels of the presidency, said, “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.

According to the statement, “the 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”, Onanuga wrote.

But in counter statement, however, the Presidency clarified that reports of President Tinubu delivering a speech before a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly on May 29 are false and unauthorized, as the Office of the President was not involved in the planning of the event.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ayiri Ngelale, said, “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, 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”.