Presidency has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu is “fully engaged in governance” despite being out of the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that Tinubu, according to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, a media aide to the president, is expected to return to Nigeria after the Easter holiday.
Tinubu embarked on a two-week “working visit” to France on April 2. During his time in France, he plans to evaluate his administration’s midterm performance in anticipation of his second anniversary in office.
However, his absence coincides with a notable increase in violence, including killings and abductions by armed groups in various regions, particularly in Plateau and Benue states. This situation has raised concerns among opposition leaders regarding the president’s ongoing stay abroad while pressing national issues unfold at home.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has called on the president to suspend his retreat in France due to the escalating insecurity back in Nigeria.
In response to these concerns, Onanuga reported that the president traveled from Paris to London over the weekend and has been in constant communication with key government officials throughout his trip.
“His absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks,” the statement reads.
“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.
“His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.
“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.
“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption.”
