The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged stay outside Nigeria, saying the President remains in charge of the country and does not need to be physically present in Abuja to perform his official duties.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the clarification on Sunday while responding to criticism over Tinubu’s extended working vacation.
Onanuga said the President was “hale and hearty” and remained engaged with official responsibilities despite being outside the country.
“Nigeria’s President is hale and hearty. He has been on a working vacation, which he is perfectly entitled to,” Onanuga said.
“In this digital age, he does not need to be physically present in Abuja to do the work for which he was elected in 2023.”
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency initially announced as a three-week annual vacation. He travelled first to London before moving to Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency later announced that the President had extended his stay by a few days.
The extended absence has generated questions from opposition figures and other Nigerians, particularly after Tinubu did not personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the President at the UNGA and delivered Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.
Onanuga maintained that Tinubu had continued to work while abroad, pointing to his meetings with investors in France.
He specifically cited the recent agreements involving the Ogun State Government and DP World for the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
The projects are expected to attract more than $7bn in initial investment, with the proposed port and economic zone designed to strengthen maritime, industrial and trade activities in Ogun State. Tinubu witnessed the signing of the agreements in Paris on September 24.
The Presidency had earlier said Tinubu remained in contact with officials in Nigeria during his vacation and continued directing government affairs from abroad. It also cited his decision to order an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna as one example of his involvement in domestic affairs while away.
Onanuga’s latest statement also said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week ahead of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Presidency has since confirmed that the President is expected to return on Tuesday, September 29, following the adjustment to his earlier return schedule.
The statement came as concerns over the duration of the President’s absence continued, with opposition figures demanding greater clarity about the extension of his vacation.
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