BAYING FOR NGELALE’S BLOOD

Ajuri Ngalele is living up to the billing of a presidential spokesperson, argues UNEKWU MGBEDE

His appointment as the president’s special adviser on media and publicity jolted many. It was understandable because the president had always had notable media spin masters around him for decades. But Ajuri Ngelale was the chosen one, and the president’s decision, though respected, didn’t go down well with some folks, I believe. I like the young man. He has a calm personality. Beyond the calm mien is a man who understands what he is up against with his acceptance of the presidential appointment.

He is not a rookie. He has been around the corridors of power for a while. He must be used to the intrigues WKDW FRPH ZLWK KLV RIÀFH IURP ZLWKLQ and outside the corridors of power. He has been bashed severely. Sometimes, he is scapegoated. These are normal as they come with the terrain. But we must be circumspect in our actions and inaction. The most recent disclaimed plan by a Danish business concern to invest $600 million in expanding the existing port infrastructure to accommodate more container shipping services in Nigerian ports is in focus.

This information was in the public space. Industry stakeholders hailed the investment decision. The presidency disseminated this information based on IDFWV DQG QRW ÀFWLRQ DV VRPH ZRXOG want unsuspecting members of the general public to believe. Presidential spokespersons don’t act on instincts. And they don’t generate press statements on behalf of any individual or organization. The attempt at denial by APM Terminals was in poor taste. This is not the case in a country like Nigeria, where many are quick to tag every action of this administration as dishonourable. And that put the innocent presidential spokesperson on the hot seat.

In some quarters, he was wrongfully labelled as a purveyor of fake news. Very uncharitable to the young man who has carried himself well as the presidential spokesperson in the country. I love how Ajuri Ngalele has comported himself so far. He doesn’t bark in response to diatribes. He explains calmly while highlighting his points. This is a constant feature whenever his voice has to be heard on matters of state interest. Some may think age is a requisite for professionalism. If that is the case, a young man can’t be a presidential spokesperson in Nigeria. This is Ajuri Ngelale’s offence. That the president saw him worthy to be appointed as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity is a misnomer—a cross he has carried since his appointment.

As I stated earlier, there is a place for circumspection in the manner that we throw the efforts of others under the train. It is now a fad in the country that comes with negative consequences on the psyche of the victims. This is aside from the fact that the bashing is now selective. I know that a top presidential aide brought down a tweet on the APM Terminals issue in the wake of the denial from APM Terminals. He was spared for inexplicable reasons. But what is good for the goose should be good for the gander. The implication is that Ajuri Ngelale didn’t act in error in the saga. He was only a product of victimisation because of his \RXWKIXOQHVV DQG RIÀFH DV WKH SUHVLGHQWLDO spokesperson.

Let me digress. Has Ajuri Ngalele lived up to the billing of a presidential spokesperson? The answer is yes. He has been honest, frank, and open with information. He can’t be faulted on these lines because these are qualities of an effective presidential spokesperson. And he should be unapologetic about it. That is the crux of the matter and why some of his actions and inaction are criticised without substance. Interestingly, many know little about Ajuri Ngelale and his passion for his job. They forgot that the young man had paid his dues as a professional who brought passion and dedication to previous and present responsibilities. And he earned his stripes. Nigerians must accord him the respect that he deserves.

I elected to pen this piece to address this concern that has the potential to destabilize the young man. He is not in default in discharging his duties. I admire his style and his mien. Many have written about him based on their standards, which are exclusively theirs. But I am a realist. I put issues in proper perspective. And I can’t change this position. Not even for riches untold. It is about Ajuri Ngelale’s appointment. Let’s make no mistakes. No matter how it is coated. It is what it is. Ajuri Ngelale is a man in the storm for taking what they perceive as theirs. A storm that was created with intentions and not happenstance. Many mistake this. But those conversant with high-wired politics would relate.

Ajuri Ngalele needs a breather. He has a lot on his table. It’s one step at a time for him. Nobody has a monopoly on knowledge. We all learn every day. He has apologized when necessary. That is taking responsibility. How many can claim such an attribute? It is a fact that he is a professional with considerate years of experience. His appointment is in place, and his performance is top-notch. I stand to be corrected. Many would form their perspectives on this piece. It comes naturally in this clime. There might be rebuttals. I will welcome them in good stead. But it won’t change my position, as enunciated. I only advocated for circumspection on Ajuri Ngelale when discharging his duties and responsibilities as the presidential spokesperson. He is obviously in the storm. It’s an unnecessary one—my two cents.