The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu will return to Nigeria this week after spending several weeks abroad on a working vacation, while dismissing concerns over his absence from the country and the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said on Sunday that Tinubu was “hale and hearty” and had remained engaged in official duties while away from Abuja.
According to Onanuga, the President’s absence did not prevent him from carrying out his responsibilities, particularly with the use of digital communication. He said Tinubu had met investors in France and was involved in the development of a proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside.
The Ogun State Government and DP World signed memoranda of understanding in Paris last week for the development of the Gateway Deep Seaport and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone. The proposed investment was witnessed by Tinubu.
Onanuga also defended Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the ongoing 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria at the gathering and is expected to deliver the country’s national statement.
The presidential aide noted that other African leaders, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were also absent from the UNGA. He stressed that Tinubu had announced his annual vacation and formally delegated Nigeria’s representation to Shettima.
Onanuga’s comments followed questions from opposition figures, including former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, over Tinubu’s whereabouts. The presidential aide criticised Obi’s comments and described the question about the President’s location as “puerile.”
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London before travelling to Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore. The Presidency later announced that his vacation had been extended by several days.
Onanuga said Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria during the week to participate in activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The President is also scheduled to serve as chief host at the Lagos premiere of MKO, a documentary about the life and legacy of the late businessman and democracy campaigner Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. The film is scheduled to premiere at the National Theatre on October 1.
