President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate reinstatement of Mr Salihu Abdullahi Dembos as the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), effectively cancelling recent appointments made at the broadcasting agency.
The decision was made public in a statement released on Tuesday by Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Mr Dembos had briefly vacated the position following recent leadership changes at the NTA, which had led to the appointment of a new director-general. However, President Tinubu has now reversed that decision, asking Dembos to return and complete his original tenure.
Dembos was first appointed by President Tinubu in October 2023 and was expected to serve for three years. With this directive, he will now resume duties to continue in that role until 2026.
Also reinstated is Mr Ayo Adewuyi, who serves as Executive Director of News. Mr Adewuyi was appointed in 2024 and will now continue to serve out his tenure, which runs until 2027.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu’s directive nullifies all recent appointments made in the NTA leadership. These include the new Director-General, Executive Director of News, Executive Director of Marketing, and the Managing Director of NTA Enterprises.
“The President has directed that Mr Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, who was appointed as the Director-General of NTA in October 2023, should return to his position to complete his three-year term,” the statement read.
It continued, “Also reinstated is Mr Ayo Adewuyi, the Executive Director of News, appointed in 2024. These directives nullify all recent appointments made to replace them.”
While the presidency did not state the specific reasons behind the reversal, political observers believe the move may be part of efforts to maintain consistency and stability within key government institutions.
The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), which is government-owned, is the country’s oldest and largest television network. The agency plays a key role in government communications, public broadcasting, and national programming.
Under the leadership of Dembos, NTA has been undergoing some internal restructuring, with increased focus on digital broadcasting and improved content. His return is expected to ensure continuity in those plans.
Reactions have started pouring in from staff within the NTA and the wider broadcasting industry. Some have welcomed the move, saying it provides clarity and avoids confusion in leadership. Others expressed surprise at the frequent changes at the top.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of NTA has yet to issue its own statement regarding the reinstatements or how it intends to implement the presidential order.
President Tinubu’s action once again shows his hands-on approach to leadership, especially in key sectors like media and information.
More updates are expected in the coming days as the reinstated officials return to their posts.
