ABUJA — The Presidency on Thursday sought to allay growing public concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s extended absence from Nigeria, reaffirming that his return to Abuja and physical resumption of duties at Aso Villa will take place after the Easter holidays.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Presidency clarified that the President remains fully engaged with the affairs of state, despite being away in Europe. It emphasized that governance continues uninterrupted under his leadership.
President Tinubu departed Abuja for Paris nearly two weeks ago. At the time, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated in a press release that the President was expected to return within a fortnight.
Amid increasing speculation and criticism from political opponents over the President’s continued stay abroad, the Presidency reiterated that there is no cause for alarm.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance even though he is away in Europe,” the statement read. “His absence is temporary and consistent with the earlier communicated timeframe.”
It further disclosed that the President has since traveled from Paris to London, and has been in regular contact with key officials, issuing directives on pressing national issues, including recent security developments.
“The President continues to oversee the machinery of government remotely and has directed security chiefs to respond swiftly to emerging threats in various parts of the country,” the statement added.
Reassuring the public, the Presidency stated: “The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership. We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption.”
The statement aims to defuse tension as questions mount over the President’s physical absence and the optics of leadership at a time when the country faces mounting economic and security challenges.
