The Presidency has dismissed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria following his extended vacation in Paris.
This was just as it insisted that the President is “hale and hearty” and has remained engaged with the affairs of government while on his ‘working vacation’.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known on Sunday while responding to a question raised by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, over Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Onanuga said Tinubu was entitled to his vacation and did not have to be physically present in Abuja to perform his presidential duties, particularly in an era where official communication and government operations can be conducted remotely.
According to him, the President has continued working during his stay abroad, citing his meetings with investors and other engagements in France.
He specifically referenced Tinubu’s recent involvement in facilitating a $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside, an initiative of the Ogun State Government.
The Presidency also defended Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UN General Assembly, noting that other African leaders, including South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were also absent from the gathering.
Onanuga said Vice President Kashim Shettima was delegated to represent Nigeria at the UNGA, adding that the arrangement was in line with the President’s decision to proceed with his annual vacation.
His response followed Obi’s criticism of Tinubu’s absence from the global gathering.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Obi asked, “Where is Nigeria’s President?” while contrasting Tinubu’s absence with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s participation in the UNGA.
Obi said Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, should have its President represented at the international gathering, particularly at a time when the country is facing significant domestic and international challenges.
He acknowledged that Shettima was present at the UNGA but argued that this did not answer questions about Tinubu’s whereabouts.
“Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges, both domestically and internationally?” Obi asked.
He subsequently called for prayers for Tinubu’s return and leadership in addressing the country’s challenges.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency initially announced as a three-week working vacation in Europe. He first travelled to London before proceeding to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore.
The Presidency later announced that the President had extended his stay by a few days, saying he remained in contact with officials at home and continued directing government affairs while abroad.
His return was initially expected during the weekend, but the latest information indicates that Tinubu is now expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, through Lagos.
He is expected to attend official engagements and participate in activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary on October 1 before returning to Abuja.
Onanuga said Tinubu would also attend the premiere of a movie commemorating the late MKO Abiola in Lagos during the Independence Day period.
