President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the Presidency has said.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London, United Kingdom, to begin the working vacation. After spending a week in London, he travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose media group has interests including Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu has remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct the affairs of government while away.
The Presidency cited the President’s directive for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as one of the matters he has handled during the vacation.
“Since he began the vacation, President Tinubu has continued to keep in touch with home, directing the affairs of the nation,” the statement said.
During his absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented the President at some official engagements.
Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
The Presidency said the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who has also been representing Tinubu at official events, would continue in that capacity.
On the political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading consultations involving prominent political leaders and traditional rulers across the country.
The Presidency also described as “irresponsible” suggestions by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm, which it said is headed by an ex-convict, concerning Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly.
