The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu is still managing the country’s affairs while abroad, assuring Nigerians that his absence is only temporary and will end after the Easter holidays.
According to a statement released on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Monday, April 21. The President, who initially traveled to Paris and later moved to London over the weekend, is said to be in regular contact with top government officials despite being away from Nigeria for almost two weeks.
Onanuga noted that President Tinubu remains “fully engaged” in national matters and continues to issue instructions on key issues. One such directive, he revealed, was given to Nigeria’s security chiefs, asking them to respond swiftly to the recent rise in insecurity in some parts of the country.
“The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country,” the statement read.
The Presidency described Tinubu’s trip as part of his regular working visits and said his absence should not be misinterpreted as neglect of his responsibilities. “The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership,” Onanuga added.
The statement was issued following criticism from opposition leaders who expressed concern about Tinubu’s overseas stay during a time of national distress. Among them were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, both of whom questioned the timing of the President’s absence amid ongoing violence and killings in Plateau and Benue states.
While the reason for the President’s European trip was not officially disclosed, the Presidency insists that Tinubu’s remote leadership continues to guide the country through its challenges, urging citizens to remain calm.
“His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday,” the statement confirmed.
