Tinubu Can Rule from Anywhere, He Is Hale and Hearty — Onanuga
Presidency Dismisses Concerns Over President’s Absence from UNGA, Says Tinubu Will Return This Week
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is “hale and hearty” and has continued to perform his official responsibilities while on a working vacation in Europe, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said.
Onanuga’s comments followed growing public discussion over Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, as well as speculation on social media about the President’s health and whereabouts.
According to the presidential aide, there is no requirement for Tinubu to be physically present in Abuja at all times to discharge his responsibilities, particularly in an era where digital communication allows leaders to remain in contact with government officials and monitor developments remotely.
“President Tinubu is hale and hearty. He has been on a working vacation, which he is perfectly entitled to. In this digital age, he does not need to be physically present in Abuja to do the work for which he was elected in 2023,” Onanuga said.
The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu commenced his annual leave on August 30, initially describing it as a three-week vacation. The leave was subsequently extended by a few days, with the State House saying the President remained in touch with developments at home and continued directing the affairs of government.
Onanuga pointed to Tinubu’s engagements in Europe as evidence that the President’s trip had also involved official business.
During his stay in Paris, Tinubu held discussions with investors, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group, on investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.
The President also witnessed the signing of agreements between the Ogun State Government and DP World concerning the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone. The projects are expected to attract an initial investment of more than $7 billion, according to the Presidency.
Defending Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA, Onanuga also referenced the absence of other African leaders from the gathering, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
He argued that Tinubu’s decision to remain away from New York should not be interpreted as an inability to govern, noting that Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the General Assembly.
The Presidency had earlier confirmed that Shettima would represent Tinubu at the UNGA and deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
Onanuga also criticised former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi over questions raised concerning Tinubu’s whereabouts, describing the questions as unnecessary.
He maintained that Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week ahead of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations. Recent reports quoting the Presidency put the President’s expected return at September 29.
The development comes amid renewed public attention on the President’s international engagements and the extent to which official duties can be conducted while he is outside the country.
