The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu is working remotely from Europe and remains fully engaged in state affairs despite his nearly two-week absence from Nigeria. He is expected to return to Abuja on Monday, April 21, after the Easter holidays.
In a statement released Thursday and signed by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was revealed that Tinubu traveled from Paris to London over the weekend and continues to oversee national governance. He remains in constant contact with key government officials and has issued directives to security chiefs to tackle emerging security threats in the country.
Titled “Statement on President Tinubu’s Return to Nigeria,” the release emphasized that the President's absence is temporary and within the earlier communicated timeframe of about two weeks.
“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership,” Onanuga stated, urging the public to remain calm and assuring that governance is ongoing without disruption.
While the Presidency did not specify the reason for Tinubu’s visit to Paris and London, the statement suggested it was in line with previous working visits he has made since assuming office nearly two years ago.
The clarification appears to be in response to growing criticism from opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, who questioned Tinubu’s absence amid rising insecurity and killings in states like Plateau and Benue.
Despite these concerns, the Presidency reassured Nigerians that governance remains uninterrupted and that the President will resume duties at the Aso Villa following the Easter break.
