Tinubu Extends Working Vacation, To Return Nigeria This Weekend
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is now expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
The Presidency disclosed this on Monday through a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin his annual leave, which the Presidency described as a working vacation. He later travelled to Paris, France, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
Despite his absence from the country, the Presidency said Tinubu had remained in touch with developments at home and continued to direct the affairs of government.
Among the actions attributed to the President during the trip was his directive for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died after being detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
During the President’s absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at several official engagements before travelling to New York to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The Presidency said Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the global gathering, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, would continue to represent the President at official events in Nigeria.
On the political front, the Presidency said the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, had continued consultations with prominent traditional rulers alongside other party leaders.
The Presidency also dismissed insinuations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm concerning Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly, describing the claims as irresponsible.
According to Onanuga, Shettima’s representation at the UNGA was part of the arrangements made by the President, adding that the Vice President would present Nigeria’s national statement.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend following the extension of his working vacation.