Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe and is expected to return to Nigeria over the weekend. According to the Presidency, Tinubu had initially planned to return to Abuja after his three-week annual leave, which started on August 30. However, he decided to extend his stay in Europe, combining his vacation with official engagements and consultations on national interest issues.
During his stay abroad, Tinubu has remained in contact with officials in Abuja and continued to direct the affairs of government. One of the major issues he addressed was the death of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. Following the incident, Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention, and deaths.
The Federal Government has since constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident, while officers connected with the detention facility have been suspended pending the outcome of the probe. This incident sparked protests in Minna and renewed concerns over detention conditions and the enforcement of the Federal Government's campaign against illegal mining.
While Tinubu has remained in Europe, Vice President Kashim Shettima has continued to undertake major official responsibilities on his behalf. Shettima departed Abuja on Sunday for New York to represent Tinubu and lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The delegation includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers, and other senior government officials. The UN General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, with Shettima expected to deliver Nigeria's national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
The President's decision to remain away from Nigeria during the UNGA has generated political commentary, particularly after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation criticised his absence from the annual gathering of world leaders. However, the Presidency has dismissed the criticism, describing the claims surrounding the President's non-attendance as irresponsible.
Despite his absence from Abuja, the Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remains fully engaged with developments in the country and continues to issue directives on matters of governance. The latest extension of his stay in Europe means that the President will return to Nigeria a few days later than originally expected, with the Presidency saying he is expected back at the weekend.
Key points
- President Tinubu extended his European working vacation and is expected to return to Nigeria over the weekend.
- The President ordered a full and transparent investigation into the death of 37 people held by the NSCDC in Minna, Niger State.
- Vice President Shettima is representing Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
