Nigerians will have to wait a few more days for President Bola Tinubu to return to the country, following the extension of his working vacation in Europe.
The Presidency announced on Monday that Tinubu, who has been away from Nigeria since August 30, will return at the weekend after extending his stay by a few days.
Tinubu had departed Nigeria for London, where he spent about a week before proceeding to Paris, France. During his stay in Paris, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose business interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
Although away from the country, the Presidency said Tinubu has remained in touch with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs.
Among the issues he has addressed while abroad was the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The President ordered an independent panel to investigate the deaths.
During his absence, Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented him at some official engagements. Shettima, however, left Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is representing the President and is expected to present Nigeria’s national statement.
With both the President and Vice-President outside the country, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will continue to represent the President at official functions, according to the Presidency.
Meanwhile, political activities have continued at home, with the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers and other stakeholders, according to the Presidency.
The Presidency also dismissed comments by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm concerning Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly, describing the insinuations as baseless and irresponsible.
For Nigerians following developments at home, the President’s expected return at the weekend will mark the end of his extended working vacation and his return to the country after several weeks of official engagements and government activities conducted from abroad.
