Tinubu Carries Out Responsibility From Abroad, to Return April 21 – Presidency

By Shamsiyya Mohammed Hassan

The Presidency has stated that President Bola Tinubu remains actively engaged in managing Nigeria’s affairs from Europe, despite being out of the country for close to two weeks. According to the Presidency, the President is scheduled to return on Monday, April 21, following the Easter break.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was clarified that the President, who moved from Paris to London over the weekend, “remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance” and maintains “constant communication with key government officials.”

Onanuga further disclosed that the President has issued “directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.”

The statement, titled ‘Statement On President Tinubu’s Return To Nigeria,’ emphasized that Tinubu’s absence is temporary and is fully in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks. He is expected to resume duties in Abuja after the Easter holiday, which concludes on Monday, April 21.

“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership,” Onanuga stated, calling for public calm and reassuring Nigerians that “governance proceeds without interruption.”

The statement elaborated: “The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country. His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday. We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption.”

While the Presidency did not provide details on the purpose of Tinubu’s stay in Paris and London, the trip aligns with his pattern of working visits since taking office nearly two years ago.

The statement appeared to address criticisms from opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who had questioned the President’s prolonged stay abroad amid escalating insecurity, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.