Tinubu Extends Working Vacation, Returns to Nigeria at Weekend

President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation by a few days and is now expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.

The President departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, where he began his working vacation. After spending about a week in the United Kingdom, he travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose business interests include Canal+, Multichoice and Universal Music Group.

Despite being away from the country, Tinubu has continued to monitor developments at home and direct the affairs of government.

Among other decisions, the President ordered an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

During his absence, Tinubu has also delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at several official engagements.

Shettima, however, departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who has also represented the President at official events, is expected to continue in that capacity.

Meanwhile, on the political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.

The Presidency, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed claims by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm concerning Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly.

The Presidency described the insinuations as irresponsible, noting that Vice President Shettima would represent President Tinubu at the global gathering.

According to the statement, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.