President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. This was announced by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Monday. Tinubu had been on a working vacation in Europe since August 30, when he departed Nigeria for London and later proceeded to Paris, France.
During his vacation, Tinubu remained in touch with developments at home and continued to direct the affairs of the nation despite his absence from the country. Onanuga cited the President’s directive for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State. This demonstrates that Tinubu has been actively engaged with key issues affecting the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu at some official functions during the President’s absence. Shettima subsequently travelled to New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is representing Tinubu and will deliver Nigeria’s national statement. This is in line with the President’s arrangements, and Shettima’s participation at the global conference is an important representation of Nigeria.
With Shettima away, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, would continue to represent the President at official events. This ensures that there is continuity in the representation of the President at key functions. Onanuga also mentioned that Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, had been leading notable party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.
Onanuga described as irresponsible the insinuations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm over Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly. He emphasized that Shettima’s representation at the global conference was in line with the President’s arrangements and that the Vice President would present Nigeria’s national statement. This suggests that there have been some misplaced concerns about Tinubu’s absence.
Tinubu held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré during his working vacation in Paris. These meetings are likely to be important for Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relations with France. The President’s engagement with key international leaders and business figures is a significant aspect of his role.
Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria at the weekend after extending his working vacation by a few days. Key points to note from his vacation include:
Key points
- Tinubu remained in touch with developments at home and continued to direct the affairs of the nation despite his absence.
- Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu at some official functions and is attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly on his behalf.
- Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend after extending his working vacation.
