President Bola 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 announced on Monday.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The State House had initially announced on August 30 that Tinubu would embark on a three-week annual leave, beginning in London.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London before proceeding to Paris, France, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The Presidency said the President had remained in contact with developments in Nigeria throughout his absence and continued to direct government affairs from abroad.
Among the issues Tinubu has addressed while away was the death of 37 suspected illegal miners who died after being detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
Following the incident, Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The State House said the investigation was expected to examine the circumstances of the arrests, the conditions under which the detainees were held and the events that led to their deaths.
“President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation by a few days,” the statement said.
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The President’s absence from the country has coincided with the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria.
Shettima had been standing in for Tinubu at some official engagements during the President’s vacation before departing Abuja for New York on September 20 to participate in the UN General Assembly.
According to the Presidency, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the global gathering.
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With the Vice President also outside the country, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, will continue to represent Tinubu at official functions, according to the presidential statement.
The development comes as world leaders and government representatives gather in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly, with the general debate scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 22.
The Presidency also addressed political activities during Tinubu’s absence from Nigeria.
Onanuga said the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, had been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.
The statement also criticised comments from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm regarding Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly, describing the insinuation as “irresponsible” and “baseless.”
Tinubu’s working vacation has included diplomatic and business engagements in France. During his time in Paris, he met Macron and Bolloré, whose business interests include media, entertainment and digital operations. The State House said the discussions with Bolloré also touched on the localisation of the group’s operations in Nigeria.
The President’s extended stay abroad follows the completion of the three-week vacation originally announced by the Presidency. Tinubu is now expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, according to the latest announcement from the State House.
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