In a significant policy U-turn, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate recall of key executives at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), effectively cancelling the recent management reshuffle that had stirred controversy within Nigeria’s state-owned broadcasting giant.

At the centre of this reversal is Mr. Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, who has now been reinstated as Director-General of NTA. Dembos was initially appointed in October 2023, but briefly vacated the position after a wave of fresh appointments by the administration. With the new presidential directive, Dembos will now resume and complete his full three-year tenure.

Also reinstated is Mr. Adewuyi, who had previously been named Executive Director of News. Tinubu’s decision reinstates Adewuyi to serve until 2027, nullifying all recent appointments made to that position and others.

A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the development:

⁠“The new directive effectively reversed the previously announced appointments,” Onanuga said. “Both Dembos and Adewuyi have been recalled to complete their statutory three-year terms.”