Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna Central District who served in the 8th National Assembly, responded to President Bola Tinubu’s Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, taking a brief leave of absence.
Ngelale announced his intention to go on indefinite vacation in a document he sent to President Femi Gbajabiamila on Friday, according to a statement released by the Presidency on Saturday.
Ngelale continued by saying that he has temporarily resigned from his positions as Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen and Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action. Ngelale claims that he left his position to take care of health issues that are currently hurting his close relatives.
Sani responded to the situation with a post on his official X Twitter, stating that Ngelale may now rest comfortably, turn off his phone, and regain his weight.
“Ajuri can now rest well, sleep well, eat well, turn off his phone, and even gain some weight,” the author said. Ngelale was named Special Advisor to the President on Media and Publicity on August 1, 2023.
The appointment will expire at the conclusion of current administration, barring a presidential reversal, and went into effect on July 31, 2023, according to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Ngelale was named by Tinubu as the first Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Action on May 19, 2024.
In addition, he was named Secretary of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
In Essence
Ngelale’s decision to take leave for personal and health reasons demonstrates that even public figures with critical responsibilities need time to step back for self-care, which is important in any demanding role.
The multiple roles he has juggled, from being a Special Advisor on Media to taking on the Special Presidential Envoy role for Climate Action, clearly show that he has had significant responsibilities, which can understandably take a toll.
The situation also underscores the human side of political figures, reminding the public that they, too, face personal and familial challenges. While Sani’s remark may be humorous, it subtly reflects the weight of the political and professional duties Ngelale has borne in a short time.
