Tinubu extends vacation abroad, announces return

President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation by a few days.

President Tinubu departed Nigeria on 30 August for London to begin the working vacation.

After spending a week in London, he moved to Paris, France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Mr Vincent Bollore, whose media group includes Canal+, Multichoice, and Universal Music Group.

Since he began the vacation, President Tinubu has continued to keep in touch with home, directing the affairs of the nation, like ordering an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among other things.

While away, President Tinubu delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at some official functions. Though Mr Shettima left Abuja on 20 September for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who has also been representing the president at events, will continue to do so.

On the political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Abubakar Yari, has been leading notable party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers in the country.

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The presidency described the baseless insinuation by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm headed by an ex-convict about President Tinubu’s non-attendance at UNGA as irresponsible.

Vice President Shettima, who is representing the president at the global conference, will present Nigeria’s national statement.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
September 21, 202