President Bola Tinubu is set to return to Nigeria this week to mark the country's 66th Independence Anniversary. According to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu is hale and hearty and had been on a working vacation. Onanuga dismissed concerns over the President's whereabouts, stating that Tinubu did not need to be physically present in Abuja to discharge his presidential responsibilities.
Onanuga cited Tinubu's engagements with investors in France and efforts to facilitate a $7bn deep-sea port project in Ogun State as evidence of the President's ongoing official engagements during his vacation. The proposed deep-sea port in Ogun Waterside is an initiative of the Ogun State Government. Onanuga emphasized that in the digital age, physical presence in Abuja is not required for the President to perform his duties.
The presidential aide defended Tinubu's absence from the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Onanuga noted that Tinubu had announced his annual vacation and delegated Nigeria's representation to Vice-President Kashim Shettima. He drew comparisons with other African leaders, citing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who also did not attend the UNGA session.
Onanuga criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for questioning Tinubu's whereabouts. He accused Obi of pretending not to know that the President was on vacation. Onanuga expressed surprise that Obi would ask such questions, given that Tinubu's vacation had been publicly announced.
Tinubu is expected to participate in the country's 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations upon his return. He will also attend the premiere of a film in Lagos in honour of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. The film premiere is intended to honour Abiola, whom Onanuga described as a martyr of Nigeria's democracy.
Abiola remains a prominent figure in Nigeria's democratic history, having been the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. Onanuga's statement comes amid public questions about Tinubu's whereabouts and his absence from the UN General Assembly, where Shettima led Nigeria's delegation.
The President's planned attendance at the movie premiere and Independence Anniversary celebrations is expected to reassure Nigerians of his commitment to national duties. Tinubu's return to Nigeria is seen as an opportunity for him to engage with citizens and demonstrate his leadership.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu to return to Nigeria this week for Independence Day celebrations
- Tinubu had been on a working vacation, engaging with investors and facilitating projects
- The President's absence from the UNGA session was due to his annual vacation, announced in advance
