TINUBU EXTENDS EUROPEAN STAY, PLANS RETURN TO NIGERIA THIS WEEKEND

President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is now expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, according to the Presidency. Tinubu had left Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin his annual leave before travelling to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency said the President has remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu has continued to issue directives on matters of national importance during his stay outside the country. One of the major decisions taken while he was away was the order for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who had been detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State. The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the events leading up to them.

During the President’s absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented him at several official engagements. Shettima, however, travelled to New York on September 20 to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate. With Shettima now in the United States, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, is expected to continue representing the President at official functions when required.

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The Presidency also said political consultations have continued in Nigeria while Tinubu remains abroad, with the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, leading engagements with prominent traditional rulers. The President’s absence from the UN General Assembly has also generated political criticism, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar questioning the constitutional arrangements surrounding the President’s extended stay abroad. The Presidency dismissed the criticism as baseless and maintained that Shettima is representing Tinubu at the international gathering.

Tinubu’s latest extension means his stay in Europe will last longer than the three-week annual leave initially announced by the Presidency. Although no specific date has been given for his return, the Presidency confirmed that he is expected back in Nigeria during the weekend. Until then, senior government officials will continue to handle official engagements delegated to them, while Shettima represents Nigeria at the UN General Assembly in New York.