‘It’s Unauthorized,’ Presidency Denies Tinubu Will Address Joint NASS Sitting

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has officially stated that the President will not deliver a speech to a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday. This announcement contradicts earlier statements made by various government officials.

In a statement released Tuesday evening, Ngelale clarified, “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.”

Earlier that day, spokespeople for the Senate and House of Representatives, Yemi Adaramodu and Akin Rotimi (Jr), along with the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had jointly announced that President Tinubu would address a joint session of the National Assembly. They indicated that this session was part of the events commemorating 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.

“The National Assembly will hold a Joint Sitting this week to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and legislative practice in Nigeria,” their statement read, noting that the session would start at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in the Green Chamber of the House of Representatives Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

The Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Tambawal, also confirmed the event, stating that President Tinubu would address the lawmakers on the state of the nation and commission the National Assembly Library. “This is to inform Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members that as part of the event to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and Legislature in Nigeria, there will be a joint sitting of both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Wednesday 29 May 2024,” he said.

Further corroboration came from Onanuga, who mentioned that the President’s speech would highlight the achievements of his administration and reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the military handed over power in 1999.

The conflicting statements have caused confusion regarding President Tinubu’s participation in the planned National Assembly session.