Breaking: Tinubu Extends European Stay, Return Expected This Weekend

President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend, the Presidency announced on Monday.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, United Kingdom, where he began his vacation before travelling to Paris, France. During his stay in Paris, the President held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the extension in a statement issued on Monday.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu has remained in regular communication with government officials in Nigeria and continued to monitor and oversee the affairs of the country while abroad.

The Presidency said the President had also issued several directives during his absence.

One of the directives was for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

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

While Tinubu has been away, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented him at several official engagements.
However, Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York, United States, where he is scheduled to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The general debate of the UN General Assembly is expected to begin on Tuesday, September 22.

The Presidency said the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who has also represented the President at some official functions, would continue to perform such duties while Tinubu remains outside the country.

It also confirmed that Shettima would represent Tinubu at the United Nations General Assembly and deliver Nigeria’s national statement.

Meanwhile, Onanuga said the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, had continued consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country as part of ongoing political engagements.

The Presidency also rejected comments concerning Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly, describing insinuations attributed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm led by an ex-convict as “baseless” and “irresponsible.”

Tinubu’s engagements in Paris included meetings with President Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose business interests cover sectors including media and entertainment.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend after extending his working vacation in Europe by a few days.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

Koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep