The Nigerian Presidency has denied claims by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has abandoned governance in the country. Atiku made the statement on Monday in Abuja, suggesting that Nigeria is currently without leadership. However, the Presidency asserts that President Tinubu is merely on a working vacation in France, having spent a few days in London earlier. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend.
President Tinubu's vacation has sparked controversy, with Atiku questioning who is currently in charge of the country. However, the Presidency has clarified that Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing the President at official functions, including the United Nations General Assembly summit in New York. Shettima left Abuja on September 20 for the summit, where he will present Nigeria's national statement. Additionally, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has also been representing the President at various events.
During his vacation, President Tinubu has continued to be involved in the country's affairs, directing key initiatives such as an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna. The miners were detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. President Tinubu has also been in touch with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore, whose media group includes prominent brands like Canal+ and Universal Music Group.
The Presidency has described Atiku's claim as baseless and irresponsible. A United States-based lobbying firm headed by an ex-convict also made similar claims about President Tinubu's non-attendance at the UNGA. However, the Presidency has emphasized that Vice President Shettima is representing the President at the global conference. The Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has also been leading consultations with traditional rulers in the country.
President Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, where he spent a week before moving to Paris, France. His working vacation was extended by a few days, according to the Presidency. During this time, Vice President Shettima and Senator Akume have been representing the President at various events. The Presidency has assured that the country is being effectively managed in the President's absence.
The controversy surrounding President Tinubu's vacation has sparked concerns about the country's leadership. However, the Presidency has reiterated that the President is merely on a working vacation and will return to Nigeria soon. The Vice President and other officials have been tasked with representing the President at official functions, ensuring continuity of governance.
The situation has also raised questions about the potential impact on the country's governance and stability. Nevertheless, the Presidency has maintained that the country is being effectively managed, and President Tinubu will resume his duties upon his return. Key initiatives and projects are expected to continue without disruption.
Key points
- The Nigerian Presidency has denied claims that President Bola Tinubu has abandoned governance while on vacation.
- Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing the President at official functions, including the UNGA summit in New York.
- President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation.
