President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation abroad by a few days and is now scheduled to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
This was disclosed in an official statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu initially departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to commence his working vacation. After spending a week in the United Kingdom, he traveled to Paris, France, where he held high-level engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and prominent businessman Vincent Bollorè, whose media conglomerate encompasses Canal+, MultiChoice, and Universal Music Group.
Addressing concerns over his absence, the Presidency emphasized that President Tinubu remains in full command of national affairs from abroad. Among recent directives, the President ordered an independent investigation into the tragic deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna, Niger State, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
"Since he began the vacation, President Tinubu has continued to keep in touch with home, directing the affairs of the nation," Onanuga stated.
During the President's period away, official state duties at home and abroad have been delegated to senior government officials. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, continues to represent the President at key domestic events.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to lead the Nigerian delegation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he is slated to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
The Presidency also pushed back strongly against criticisms regarding President Tinubu’s non-attendance at UNGA, calling allegations raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying firm "baseless" and "irresponsible."
On the political front, consultations continue domestically in the President's absence. Senator Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, has been leading key party figures in a series of strategic meetings with prominent traditional rulers across the country.
