Why Tinubu Skipped UNGA, Presidency Gives Fresh Explanation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains healthy and fully engaged in governance despite being away from Nigeria on a working vacatiom.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday.

He said Tinubu’s temporary absence from Abuja does not affect his ability to perform his constitutional responsibilities.

Onanuga explained that advances in technology have made it possible for leaders to coordinate government activities and make important decisions without being physically present in their offices.

“President Tinubu is hale and hearty. He has been on a working vacation, which he is perfectly entitled to,” Onanuga said.

According to him, the President has continued to work during the trip, holding meetings with investors and engaging in discussions that support Nigeria’s economic development.

He said one of the outcomes of Tinubu’s foreign engagements was the facilitation of a $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside, an initiative of the Ogun State Government.

“In this digital age, he does not need to be physically present in Abuja to do the work for which he was elected in 2023,” the presidential spokesman added.

The Presidency also explained that Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was deliberate, as he officially announced his vacation and assigned Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the global event.

Onanuga noted that other African leaders, including South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were also absent from the UNGA.

He said the absence of the leaders did not trigger similar reactions in their countries, adding that Nigeria’s situation should also be viewed within the context of official delegation and continuity of governance.

“The Nigerian President announced he was taking his annual vacation and delegated attendance to his able and dependable Vice President,” he said.

The statement comes amid criticism and questions from some opposition figures over Tinubu’s location and absence from the UNGA.

The Presidency, however, maintained that the President has remained committed to his duties and focused on delivering on his mandate to Nigerians.

Tinubu is expected to return to the country this week to join activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and attend the premiere of a movie honouring the late democracy hero, Chief MKO Abiola, in Lagos.

The Presidency said the event would serve as a reminder of Abiola’s contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey and the values of freedom and justice.