Politics
Presidency: Tinubu Hale and Hearty, Continues Official Duties on Vacation
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga says President Bola Tinubu remains engaged in government affairs while on his working vacation in Europe.
The Presidency has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is “hale and hearty” and continues to perform his official responsibilities while on a working vacation outside Nigeria.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a post on his X account on Sunday while responding to questions about Tinubu's absence from Nigeria.
Onanuga said the President did not need to be physically present in Abuja to carry out his responsibilities, pointing to the use of digital communication and other technologies in conducting government business.
According to the presidential aide, Tinubu has remained engaged during his vacation, including holding meetings with investors in France.
Onanuga also referred to a proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project planned for Ogun Waterside, saying Tinubu had facilitated the investment initiative being pursued by the Ogun State Government.
The comments came amid public discussion over Tinubu's decision not to personally attend the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Onanuga noted that other African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were also absent from the gathering.
He said Tinubu had publicly announced his annual vacation and had designated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the UN General Assembly.
Onanuga also responded to comments by Peter Obi concerning the President's whereabouts, accusing the former Anambra State governor of pretending not to know that Tinubu was on vacation.
The presidential aide said Tinubu was expected to return to Nigeria during the week ahead of activities marking the country's 66th Independence Anniversary.
He added that the President was scheduled to attend the premiere of a film commemorating the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola in Lagos.
Onanuga described Abiola as a martyr of Nigeria's democratic struggle and said Tinubu's planned participation in the event was part of activities surrounding the Independence Day celebrations.
The Presidency has described Tinubu's current trip as a working vacation, maintaining that he remains in communication with officials and continues to oversee government affairs while outside the country.