There was confusion in the presidency on Tuesday over the purported address of the joint sitting of the National Assembly as part of activities lined up to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.
TheHintsNews reports that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga had earlier in a statement on Tuesday announced that Tinubu would not make a broadcast to the nation on Wednesday to celebrate his first anniversary as the leader of Nigeria.
He added that instead, the President would 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.
Onanuga stressed that Tinubu’s speech would dwell on the achievements of his administration and Nigeria’s democracy since the military ceded power in 1999.
He added that former Senate President, Senator David Mark, former speaker of the House of Representatives, who is now the Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila are all lined up to address the parliament.
Onanuga said also lined up to speak is the former military ruler, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who handed over power to civilian administration in 1999.
He said President Tinubu would commission the National Assembly Library and Resource Center, now to be known as Bola Tinubu Building.
Hours later, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale issued another statement saying the President was not involved in the plan of the National Assembly.
He said: “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 unauthorised as the Office of the President was not involved in the planning of the event.
“In furtherance of his commitment to delivering good governance, President Bola Tinubu has embarked on the inauguration of strategic projects across the country.”