The Presidency has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued absence from Abuja, saying the President remains “hale and hearty” and does not need to be physically present in the nation’s capital to discharge his responsibilities.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Sunday amid growing questions over Tinubu’s whereabouts and his absence from the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Onanuga said Tinubu was currently on a working vacation, which he described as one the President was entitled to take, adding that modern communication technology allows him to continue carrying out his official duties while outside the country.
“Nigeria’s President is hale and hearty. He has been on a working vacation, which he is perfectly entitled to. In this digital age, he does not need to be physically present in Abuja to do the work for which he was elected in 2023,” Onanuga said.
According to the presidential aide, Tinubu has continued to engage in official activities during his stay in France, including meetings with investors.
He specifically cited the President’s role in facilitating a proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside, an initiative of the Ogun State Government.
Onanuga also defended Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UN General Assembly in New York, noting that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi were also absent from the gathering.
He said Tinubu had announced his annual vacation and delegated Nigeria’s representation at the UN General Assembly to Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
The presidential spokesman further criticised former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over questions concerning Tinubu’s whereabouts.
Onanuga said the President was expected to return to Nigeria during the week to participate in activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He also said Tinubu would honour the late Chief MKO Abiola by attending the Lagos premiere of a film produced in memory of the late democracy activist.
