In a recent shake-up within the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), President Bola Tinubu's media aide, Bayo Onanuga, has taken issue with the terminology used by his colleague, Ajuri Ngelale, in the official announcement.
Ngelale, the President's spokesperson, stated in a press release on Monday, January 8, 2024, that President Tinubu had dismissed the CEO of FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, and his BPE counterpart, Alexander Ayoola Okoh. According to Ngelale, the dismissals were part of a broader initiative to "restructure and reposition critical agencies" in the interest of consumers and the nation's economy.
On the night of Tuesday, January 9, 2023, Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, countered Ngelale's choice of words. Onanuga clarified that Irukera and Okoh were "relieved of their duties" by the President as he searches for their successors, disputing the connotations associated with the term "dismissal."
"I have followed the concerns in the media on the report that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed Babatunde Irukera EVC/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Alexander Ayoola Okoh — Director-General/CEO, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). The President’s directive did not intend a dismissal," Onanuga stated.
"The two men who have served our country were relieved of their duties by the President, as he scouts for their successors. The connotations implied in using the word dismissal were clearly not intended in the statement issued."
This verbal exchange sheds light on the nuances within the administration and prompts questions about the communication strategy surrounding high-profile personnel changes. As the public awaits further developments, the discrepancy in language adds an additional layer to the evolving narrative of this significant government reshuffle.
