President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, United Kingdom, to begin the working vacation before proceeding to Paris, France. During his stay abroad, Tinubu has remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct the affairs of government.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu has been in touch with officials in Nigeria while away. The Presidency cited the President’s directive for an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna as one of the decisions he took during the vacation. The miners died following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Tinubu has delegated Vice-President Kashim Shettima to represent him at some official engagements during his absence. Shettima, who left Abuja for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, is representing the President at the global gathering and will deliver Nigeria’s national statement. This move allows Shettima to engage with world leaders on behalf of Tinubu.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will continue to represent the President at official events where necessary. This ensures a smooth continuation of government activities in Tinubu's absence. Akume's role will help maintain stability and continuity in the government's operations.
On the political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has continued consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country. Yari, alongside other party leaders, is engaging with key stakeholders to build support for the government. These consultations aim to foster national unity and cooperation.
The Presidency has dismissed as irresponsible insinuations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm headed by an ex-convict over Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly. The Presidency views these claims as unfounded and without merit. They emphasize that Tinubu's absence is a personal vacation and not a reflection of any neglect of duty.
With Tinubu's return to Nigeria expected at the weekend, the government is anticipated to resume full operations. The President's vacation has not disrupted the government's activities, thanks to the delegation of responsibilities to his representatives. Tinubu's return is expected to bring renewed focus to the government's agenda and priorities.
Key points
- President Tinubu extended his working vacation in Europe and will return to Nigeria at the weekend.
- Vice-President Shettima is representing Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- The Presidency dismissed insinuations about Tinubu's absence from the UN General Assembly as irresponsible.
