President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation by a few days and is now expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. According to a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London, where he began his working vacation before travelling to Paris, France. The President met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore during his stay in Paris.
During his vacation, Tinubu has remained in contact with Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs. He ordered an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The Presidency stated that Tinubu has been keeping in touch with home and directing the nation's affairs despite his physical absence.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented Tinubu at some official functions while he was away. However, Shettima left Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, will continue representing the President at official events.
The Presidency addressed Tinubu's absence from the UN General Assembly, where Shettima is representing Nigeria and is expected to deliver the country's national statement. The Presidency described claims by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying firm headed by an ex-convict over Tinubu's non-attendance at the UNGA as "irresponsible".
On the political front, the Presidency stated that the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, had been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers alongside other party leaders. This development suggests that the President's working vacation has not hindered the government's ongoing activities.
Tinubu's working vacation began on August 30, and the Presidency confirmed that he would return to Nigeria at the weekend after extending his stay by a few days. The President's decision to extend his vacation has sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians expressing concerns about his prolonged absence.
The Presidency's statement has allayed concerns about the President's absence, assuring Nigerians that Tinubu has been in touch with the country's affairs and has continued to direct government business. The President's return to Nigeria is expected to bring a sense of relief to his supporters and address concerns about his prolonged absence.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu extends working vacation, expected to return to Nigeria at weekend
- Tinubu has remained in contact with Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs during his vacation
- The Presidency describes claims about Tinubu's non-attendance at UNGA as "irresponsible"
