The Presidency has allayed concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s whereabouts and his absence at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who allayed the fears in a Facebook post on Sunday night while responding to questions raised by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi and the Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, stressed that Tinubu is “hale and hearty” and still on duty.
Onanuga pointedly stated that Tinubu is entitled to his annual vacation and does not need to be physically present in Abuja to perform his constitutional duties, particularly against the backdrop of the digital age where he remains in constant contact with officials.
He further said that President Tinubu has continued to work while on his working vacation in Europe, meeting investors in France.
Onanuga cited the September 24, signing in Paris, witnessed by Tinubu, of agreements between the Ogun State Government and global logistics firm DP World for the development of the Gateway Deep Seaport at Ogun Waterside and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
The projects, expected to attract over $7 billion in initial investment, include a deep-sea port and a 10,000-hectare special economic zone aimed at easing pressure on Lagos ports.
Onanuga noted that the Presidency had announced that Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation, first in London and then Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The presidential aide said Tinubu has continued to direct government affairs, including ordering an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
Onanuga said; “Vice President Kashim Shettima was delegated to lead Nigeria’s delegation to UNGA 81 and deliver the national statement. Tinubu’s absence is not unusual.
“South African President Cyril Ramaphosa did not attend the high-level week in New York and was represented by Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola, who delivered the national statement on September 24, while Ramaphosa sent a pre-recorded message for a UNGA81 event on inequality after withdrawing from public engagements on medical advice,” he stated.
Onanuga further said the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was represented by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
In the words of Onanuga; “Despite these public announcements, Obi and his supporters on X had continued to question the President’s location”.
The Presidency on September 21, announced that Tinubu extended his vacation by a few days and would return at the weekend.
Onanuga said Tinubu is expected back this week for Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary activities and to attend the Lagos premiere of “MKO,” a documentary on late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, at the National Theatre on October 1, ahead of its nationwide cinema release on October 2.
