Tinubu Recalls NTA DG Dembos, Executive Director Adewuyi to Complete Their Tenure

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the reinstatement of Mr. Salihu Abdullahi Dembos as Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Mr. Ayo Adewuyi as Executive Director of News, directing them to return to their offices and complete their statutory tenures. The decision, announced in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, nullifies the appointments made in August that had briefly replaced the leadership of the state-owned broadcaster. Mr. Dembos, who was first appointed in October 2023 for a three-year tenure, will now continue in office until 2026. Mr. Adewuyi, appointed in 2024 as Executive Director of News, will equally serve out his term, which runs until 2027. Although no detailed explanation was given, sources close to the Presidency suggested that the reversal was taken to avoid disruptions and legal complications associated with terminating tenure-bound appointments before their expiration. The move is also seen as a way to stabilize the management of NTA, which plays a central role in the government’s public communication strategy. The August appointments, which had introduced Rotimi Richard Pedro as Director-General and other new executives, sparked widespread discussions both within and outside the broadcasting sector. With Tuesday’s directive, the previous management structure has been restored, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty within the organization. It remains unclear whether those whose appointments have now been nullified will be reassigned to other roles. However, for now, the reinstatement of Dembos and Adewuyi ensures continuity in NTA’s leadership until the end of their respective tenures.