The Presidency in Nigeria says that President Bola Tinubu has continued to direct the affairs of state from Europe, despite being outside the country for nearly two weeks.
Reacting to widespread criticisms of insensitivity of President Tinubu who remained in Europe while scores of Nigerians are murdered in Benue and Platuau states in northern Nigeria, the Presidency said in a statement on Thursday that President Tinubu would return to the country on Monday, April 21, after the Easter holidays.
President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, explained in the statement that President Tinubu, who travelled from Paris to London at the weekend, “remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance” and is in “constant communication with key government officials.”
Onanuga said that the President had given “directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.”
According to the statement, Tinubu’s absence “is temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks.”
He is expected back in Abuja after the Easter holidays, which will end on Monday, 21 April.
“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership,” Onanuga said, urging the public to remain calm and assuring citizens that “governance proceeds without interruption.”
“The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.
“His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.
“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption,” the statement said.
GIK/APA