The Presidency has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hale and hearty and continues to discharge his official responsibilities while on a working vacation in Europe.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Sunday amid renewed concerns over Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria and his non-attendance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Onanuga said the President was entitled to his annual vacation and did not need to be physically present in Abuja to perform his duties, given modern communication technology.
According to him, Tinubu has remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.
He also cited the President’s meetings with investors in France, including his involvement in agreements linked to the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone in Ogun State, with an expected initial investment of more than $7 billion.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week annual vacation, initially travelling to London before proceeding to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency later announced that he had extended the vacation by a few days.
While the President remained abroad, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he delivered Nigeria’s national statement.
The President’s extended absence has drawn questions from some opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, particularly over the constitutional arrangements surrounding presidential vacations and delegation of duties. The Presidency, however, has maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of government while away.
The Presidency said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week ahead of activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
He is also expected to attend the Lagos premiere of a documentary on the late businessman and pro-democracy figure, M.K.O. Abiola.
