Tinubu hale and hearty, still performing his duties from Paris – Presidency replies Atiku, Obi, Others

The Presidency has dismissed concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prolonged stay abroad, insisting that the President is “hale and hearty” and has continued to direct the affairs of government during his extended working vacation in France.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the clarification on Sunday while responding to criticism from the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, over Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Onanuga said Tinubu was entitled to his annual vacation and did not necessarily have to be physically present in Abuja to perform his official duties, particularly with the availability of modern communication technology.

According to him, the President has remained engaged with government affairs while abroad and has held meetings with investors and other stakeholders during his stay in France.

The Presidency specifically cited Tinubu’s involvement in the proposed $7 billion Ogun Waterside deep-sea port and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone project.

The Ogun State Government and DP World recently signed memoranda of understanding for the development of the proposed deep-sea port and special economic zone in agreements witnessed by Tinubu in Paris.

Onanuga also defended the President’s decision not to attend the UNGA, noting that some other African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were also absent from the gathering.

He said Vice-President Kashim Shettima had been delegated to represent Nigeria at the United Nations meeting.

Shettima travelled to New York on September 20 for the 81st UN General Assembly, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had also represented the President at some official functions during Tinubu’s absence.

The Presidency’s position followed a statement by Obi, who questioned Tinubu’s continued absence from Nigeria and his non-attendance at the UNGA.

In a post on X on Sunday, Obi asked, “Where is Nigeria’s President?” while contrasting Tinubu’s absence with the participation of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the UN gathering.

Obi argued that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, should have its President represented at the international meeting, particularly amid what he described as significant domestic and international challenges.

He acknowledged Shettima’s presence at the UNGA but said the Vice-President’s attendance did not address questions surrounding Tinubu’s whereabouts.

“Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges, both domestically and internationally?” Obi asked.

He subsequently called for prayers for Tinubu’s return and leadership in addressing the country’s challenges.

Tinubu’s Extended Stay

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London, where the Presidency initially described his trip as a three-week working vacation. He later travelled to Paris, where he held meetings including engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

The Presidency subsequently announced on September 21 that Tinubu had extended his stay abroad by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.

It said the President had remained in contact with officials at home and continued directing government affairs from abroad.

His expected return was later postponed following what sources described as a last-minute change in his travel plans.

TheCable reported that Tinubu was originally expected to return to Lagos during the weekend and remain there for up to a week before proceeding to Abuja. However, the itinerary was revised, with his return now likely on Tuesday. The reason for the change was not immediately disclosed.

The extended absence has also generated debate over the constitutional arrangements governing the President’s absence from the country.

Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation, after which the Vice-President may perform the functions of President in an acting capacity.

Questions have been raised by opposition figures and some lawmakers over whether the constitutional requirements have been met during Tinubu’s extended stay abroad. TheCable reported that some lawmakers had called for the National Assembly to reconvene over the issue.

Premium Times previously reported that it could not independently establish whether Tinubu had transmitted the required written declaration to the National Assembly, after contacting officials at the Presidency and the legislature.

The Presidency has nevertheless maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of government and has continued to perform his duties remotely.

Onanuga said the President was expected to return to Nigeria this week ahead of the country’s 66th Independence anniversary.

He also said Tinubu was expected to attend the Lagos premiere of a film on the late businessman and democracy campaigner, MKO Abiola, as part of activities around the Independence Day period.

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