Tinubu's Extended Working Vacation: A Weekend Return Anticipated
President Bola Tinubu is set to return to Nigeria this weekend after extending his working vacation, which included engagements in London and Paris with figures like French President Emmanuel Macron. Despite his absence, President Tinubu remained active in national affairs, delegating duties to Vice President Kashim Shettima for events such as the UN General Assembly, amidst political consultations and a strong rebuttal from the presidency against critics.
President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to return to Nigeria at the weekend, following a brief extension of his working vacation. The President had initially departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to commence what was described as a working vacation, keeping the public updated on his activities.
After spending a week in London, President Tinubu moved to Paris, France. During his time in the French capital, he held significant meetings, including one with French President Emmanuel Macron. He also met with prominent businessman Mr. Vincent Bollore, whose extensive media group encompasses Canal+, Multichoice, and Universal Music Group, indicating strategic engagements during his international stay.
Despite his physical absence from Nigeria, President Tinubu maintained continuous engagement with national affairs. According to a statement released by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President remained in constant touch with home, actively directing the nation's matters. A notable example of his oversight was the order for an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
During his vacation, President Tinubu delegated key official functions. Vice President Kashim Shettima was mandated to represent him at various events, including a trip to New York, where he is attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Furthermore, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has also been representing the President at other important gatherings and will continue to do so.
On the political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Senator Abubakar Yari, has been actively leading notable party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country. The Presidency also addressed what it described as "baseless insinuation" by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm, headed by an ex-convict, regarding President Tinubu’s non-attendance at the UNGA. The statement clarified that Vice President Shettima is officially representing the President at the global conference and will be presenting Nigeria's national statement.