A former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has provided an account of the atmosphere during Monday’s media chat with President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Abati, who was among the seven journalists interviewing the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, described Tinubu as someone who has adapted well to his role.
Abati noted that the President’s media team did not impose any restrictions or demand questions in advance, highlighting the spontaneity of the interaction.
His words: “I liked the fact that, sitting next to him, he has settled into the job. He knows what he’s doing. He spoke with a lot of confidence.
“I was shocked that this man… they didn’t even prepare him. He just walked onto this set and he’s sounding like this. That again is something to commend.
“He was relaxed. I thought I could rattle him once or twice.
“Nobody asked us to submit questions; President Tinubu didn’t say what are you going to discuss? In fact, we did not see him until he walked onto the set.”
Abati commended Tinubu for his poise and confidence throughout the interview, adding that he appeared ready to engage directly with Nigerians.
“I was impressed with the fact that he was in very good spirits. He was prepared to take on the encounter and he was ready to talk to Nigerians.
“By way of recommendation, his media team should do this regularly. Let him do it again and again, and talk to Nigerians.”
Abati encouraged the President’s media team to organise similar engagements regularly to enhance communication with the public, noting that such sessions build transparency and trust.
