The Presidency has launched a fresh defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prolonged stay in Europe, declaring that the President is “hale and hearty” and has continued to discharge his responsibilities while on a working vacation.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the declaration in a post on X on Sunday, amid renewed questions over Tinubu’s whereabouts and his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Onanuga insisted that Tinubu’s absence from Abuja should not be interpreted as an absence from official duties, arguing that modern technology allows the President to work 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.
‘Tinubu Has Been Working’
The presidential aide cited the President’s engagements with investors in France as evidence that Tinubu has remained active despite his absence from Nigeria.
He specifically pointed to the recently signed $7 billion-plus agreements between Ogun State and DP World for the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone. Tinubu witnessed the signing in Paris.
The projects are expected to attract more than $7 billion in initial investment, with projections of more than 50,000 direct jobs, according to reports on the agreements.
Onanuga argued that the development demonstrated that Tinubu had continued to pursue investment and economic opportunities for Nigeria even while outside the country.
Ramaphosa, el-Sisi Also Missed UNGA
The Presidency also mounted a fresh defence of Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Onanuga pointed to the absence of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi from the UNGA, arguing that Tinubu was not the only major African leader who stayed away.
He stressed that Tinubu had announced his annual vacation and delegated Nigeria’s representation at the global gathering to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who led the Nigerian delegation to New York.
The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu’s working vacation, which began on August 30 after his departure for London, was extended by a few days. He subsequently moved to Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore.
Onanuga Takes Swipe At Peter Obi
Onanuga also hit out at former presidential candidate Peter Obi over questions concerning Tinubu’s whereabouts.
The presidential aide accused Obi of pretending not to know where the President was, saying Tinubu’s location and status had already been publicly communicated by the Presidency.
The latest exchange comes amid wider political criticism over Tinubu’s extended stay abroad and his decision to miss the UNGA, with opposition figures questioning the circumstances surrounding his absence.
‘Tinubu Returning This Week’
Onanuga said Tinubu would return to Nigeria this week to participate in activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He also disclosed that the President would attend the Lagos premiere of a movie commemorating the late MKO Abiola, whom he described as a martyr of Nigeria’s democracy.
The Presidency’s latest statement comes days after it had said Tinubu remained in touch with developments at home and continued directing the affairs of government while abroad.
