Presidency says Tinubu hale and hearty, dismisses concerns over UNGA absence

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Presidency has dismissed speculation over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s wellbeing following his decision to remain in France during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, saying the President is hale and hearty and continuing his working vacation.

In a statement titled “President Tinubu is Hale and Hearty”, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu’s absence from Abuja did not prevent him from carrying out his official responsibilities.

Onanuga said that, in the digital age, the President did not need to be physically present in Abuja to discharge the responsibilities for which he was elected in 2023.

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The Presidency cited Tinubu’s engagements in France, including meetings with investors and the September 24 signing of agreements involving the Ogun State Government and DP World for the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, as evidence of his continued official activities while on vacation. The projects were announced as involving an initial investment of more than $7 billion.

Onanuga also responded to comments by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who had questioned Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA and asked about his whereabouts.

He noted that other African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were also absent from the UNGA, arguing that Tinubu had publicly announced his annual vacation and delegated representation at the gathering to Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The Presidency had earlier said Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for his annual leave, initially scheduled for three weeks, and later extended his working vacation by a few days. It said he had continued to keep in touch with developments at home and had delegated Shettima to represent him at some official engagements, including the UNGA.

Onanuga said Tinubu was expected to return to Nigeria during the week to participate in activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary and attend the Lagos premiere of a film commemorating the late democracy campaigner, MKO Abiola.