ABUJA, NIGERIA – Contradictory statements have emerged regarding President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled address to a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
President’s Office Denies Involvement
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, clarified that the President will not be delivering a speech to the National Assembly on Wednesday. “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,” Ngelale stated in a Tuesday evening statement.
Contradictory Announcements from National Assembly Officials
This statement contradicts earlier announcements made by the spokespersons of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu and House of Representatives Spokesperson Akin Rotimi (Jr) had issued a joint statement earlier on Tuesday indicating that President Tinubu would address a joint session of the National Assembly. “The National Assembly will hold a Joint Sitting this week to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and legislative practice in Nigeria,” the statement read. It further detailed that the event would begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in the Green Chamber, House of Representatives Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
National Assembly Clerk Sani Tambawal also confirmed the event in a separate statement, saying, “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. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, will address the joint sitting on State of the Nation and also commission the National Assembly Library. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members are expected to be seated by 9 am.”
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga corroborated this, saying, “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. President Tinubu’s speech will dwell on the achievements of his administration and Nigeria’s democracy since the military ceded power in 1999.”
Conclusion
The conflicting statements have caused confusion regarding President Tinubu’s schedule and involvement in the planned events at the National Assembly. As of now, it remains unclear whether the address will take place as originally announced by the National Assembly officials or if it will be canceled as stated by the President’s office.
