Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe, with plans to return to Nigeria at the weekend. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced this development on Monday. According to Onanuga, Tinubu's continued stay in Europe has not affected government operations, as the President has remained in touch with officials and continued to direct national affairs.
Tinubu began his working vacation on August 30 in London and later traveled to Paris, France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The meeting with Bolloré focused on potential investments in Nigeria's creative and digital economy, including film, entertainment, and fibre-optic infrastructure. Bolloré's business interests include Canal+, MultiChoice, and Universal Music Group.
During his absence, Tinubu directed an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. The President emphasized that the circumstances surrounding the deaths required investigation, stressing that the victims' status as suspected illegal miners did not remove their right to life and humane treatment while in government custody.
The Presidency has responded to criticism of Tinubu's absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly, describing insinuations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying firm as "irresponsible." Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu at some official engagements during his absence, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented him at other official functions.
Shettima is currently in New York representing Nigeria at the 81st UN General Assembly and is expected to deliver Nigeria's national statement. The Presidency said that by delegating the assignment to Shettima, Nigeria was adequately represented at the global gathering. This move was seen as a strategic decision to ensure Nigeria's participation in the UNGA despite Tinubu's absence.
Tinubu's vacation was initially announced as a three-week working holiday in Europe. However, the Presidency announced on Monday that the President had extended the vacation by a few days. This development has sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians expressing concerns over the President's prolonged absence from the country.
Meanwhile, political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections have continued, with the Presidency saying the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers. The Presidency's response to criticism and the President's extended vacation have raised questions about the potential impact on governance and politics in Nigeria.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu extended his European vacation amid criticism over his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
- The Presidency responded to criticism, describing insinuations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying firm as "irresponsible."
- Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu at the UNGA, ensuring Nigeria's participation in the global gathering.
