Tinubu Hale and Hearty, Working During Vacation, Will Return This Week — Presidency
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The Presidency has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hale and hearty and continues to discharge his official responsibilities while on vacation abroad.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency dismissed concerns over Tinubu’s whereabouts, insisting that his absence from Nigeria has not affected the performance of his duties.
Onanuga explained that the President has been on a working vacation, during which he has held meetings with investors in France, including engagements aimed at facilitating a proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside, an initiative of the Ogun State Government.
He maintained that technological advancements have made it possible for the President to perform his official duties without being physically present in Abuja.
Defending Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Onanuga noted that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi were also absent from the gathering.
He explained that Tinubu had announced his annual vacation and delegated Nigeria’s representation at the international gathering to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Reacting to questions raised by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi over the President’s whereabouts, Onanuga accused the opposition figure of pretending to be unaware of Tinubu’s activities.
The presidential spokesman further disclosed that Tinubu would return to Nigeria this week ahead of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
According to him, the President is also expected to attend the premiere of a film in Lagos commemorating the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose role in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy remains significant.
