President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the Presidency has announced.
The development was disclosed on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said Tinubu had remained in contact with developments in the country and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London, United Kingdom, before travelling to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
According to Onanuga, the President had continued to issue directives during his absence, including ordering an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died after being detained by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
“President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation by a few days,” the statement said.
While Tinubu has been away, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented him at several official engagements.
Shettima, however, departed Abuja on September 20 for New York, United States, to participate in the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with the general debate scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 22.
The Presidency said the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would continue to represent the President at official functions during the period.
Shettima is also expected to represent Tinubu at the UN General Assembly and deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
Meanwhile, Onanuga said the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, had continued consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.
The Presidency also criticised comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm over Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly, describing the claims concerning the President’s absence as “baseless” and “irresponsible.”
Tinubu’s engagements in Paris included meetings with Macron and Bolloré, whose business interests span several sectors, including media and entertainment.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend following the extension of his working vacation.
