President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hale and hearty and remains actively engaged in his official responsibilities despite being away from Abuja on a working vacation, according to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga said the President is entitled to take his annual vacation and noted that modern technology allows him to continue carrying out his responsibilities without being physically present in Abuja.
According to him, Tinubu has continued to work during his time abroad, including holding meetings with investors in France.
Onanuga also cited the reported facilitation of a $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside, an initiative of the Ogun State Government, as an example of the President’s continued engagement with economic development.
He argued that Tinubu’s absence from Abuja should not be interpreted as an absence from official duties.
Onanuga also compared Tinubu’s absence from the United Nations General Assembly in New York with the absence of other African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
He said Ramaphosa had opted out of public engagements, while Egypt did not experience similar concerns over Sisi’s absence from the UNGA.
The Nigerian President had announced that he would be taking his annual vacation and delegated representation at the UNGA to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Onanuga also criticised former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for questioning Tinubu’s whereabouts, describing the question as unnecessary.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria during the week to participate in activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He is also expected to honour the late MKO Abiola by attending the Lagos premiere of a film commemorating the democracy activist and businessman.
Onanuga maintained that Tinubu’s vacation does not prevent the President from carrying out his responsibilities and engaging with matters concerning the country while abroad.
