The Presidency has stated that President Bola Tinubu has remained engaged with government affairs despite spending his annual holiday outside Nigeria.
The clarification was made on Sunday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who said the President’s physical absence from the country has not prevented him from carrying out his constitutional responsibilities.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe. His stay was later prolonged by a few additional days, leading to questions from some Nigerians and political figures regarding his whereabouts and the reason for his delayed return.
Responding to the concerns, Onanuga explained that Tinubu’s trip was not simply a private holiday but a working vacation during which the President continued to attend to matters concerning the country.
He argued that advancements in technology and communication have made it possible for the President to perform his duties without necessarily being physically present in Abuja.
The presidential aide said Tinubu has remained involved in important engagements while abroad, including meetings with prospective investors.
Onanuga cited the President’s recent activities in France, where he said Tinubu was involved in efforts connected to the proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project at Ogun Waterside in Ogun State.
According to him, the President’s location should not be taken as an indication that he has stopped working or ceased to monitor developments in Nigeria.
The presidential spokesperson also responded to criticism over Tinubu’s decision not to travel to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He pointed out that Tinubu was not the only African head of state who stayed away from the annual UN gathering.
Onanuga referenced the absence of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, noting that neither country witnessed the level of controversy surrounding their leaders’ non-attendance.
He explained that Tinubu had already announced his decision to proceed on his annual leave and subsequently assigned Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the United Nations event.
The presidential spokesperson further took aim at former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi over his questions concerning Tinubu’s whereabouts.
Onanuga suggested that Obi’s comments overlooked the information already made public about the President’s vacation and activities outside Nigeria.
He maintained that Tinubu’s absence from the country should not be interpreted as neglect of his presidential responsibilities, insisting that the President has continued to work during the trip.
The Presidency has now confirmed that Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week.
According to Onanuga, the President is scheduled to be back in the country ahead of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Tinubu is also expected to attend the Lagos premiere of a movie dedicated to the late businessman and democracy campaigner, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
The event is expected to form part of activities commemorating Abiola’s role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Tinubu’s prolonged stay abroad has continued to attract public attention, particularly following his decision not to attend the UN General Assembly in person.
However, the Presidency has maintained that the President’s trip falls within his entitlement to take annual leave and that he has remained active in the discharge of his responsibilities throughout his time outside the country.
