By Amofokhai Williams
The Presidency has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is “hale and hearty,” dismissing concerns surrounding his prolonged absence from the country and his non-attendance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the assurance in a statement on Sunday, saying Tinubu had continued to perform his presidential duties while on a working vacation in Europe.
Onanuga argued that the President does not have to be physically present in Abuja to discharge his responsibilities, particularly in an era where technology enables leaders to communicate and direct government business remotely.
According to him, Tinubu’s activities during the vacation demonstrate that he has remained engaged with matters concerning the country.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London before travelling to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency subsequently announced that he had extended his working vacation by a few days and would return to Nigeria at the weekend.
During his stay in France, Tinubu also witnessed the signing of agreements between the Ogun State Government and global ports operator DP World for the development of the Gateway Deep Seaport and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
The agreements envisage an initial investment of more than $7 billion, while the projects are projected by the Presidency to create more than 50,000 direct jobs when fully developed.
The proposed deep seaport at Ogun Waterside is planned with a four-kilometre berth and an 18-metre draft and is expected to provide an alternative gateway for maritime trade while easing pressure on the Lagos port corridor.
Onanuga also defended Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UN General Assembly in person, noting that Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the gathering and delivered the country’s national statement.
He further pointed to the absence of other African leaders from the UNGA as part of his argument that a president’s physical presence at the annual gathering is not necessarily required in every circumstance.
The comments came amid public discussion over Tinubu’s whereabouts and his absence from the high-level UNGA meetings.
Onanuga specifically criticised former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over questions concerning the President’s whereabouts, describing the questions as unnecessary.
The Presidency had previously said Tinubu remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs during his stay abroad. It also cited presidential directives issued while he was away, including the establishment of an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week, ahead of the country’s Independence anniversary.
He said the President would also honour the memory of the late businessman and democracy advocate, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, by attending the Lagos premiere of a movie commemorating his life.
