President Tinubu Extends Working Vacation, to Return at Weekend

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

President Bola Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend after extending his working vacation by a few days.

The Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement said President Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London before proceeding to Paris, France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore.

The statement said the President has remained in touch with developments at home and continued to direct the affairs of the nation while away.

It cited the President’s directive for an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

While away, President Tinubu delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at some official functions.

With Vice President Shettima currently in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will continue to represent the President at official events.

The Presidency also described as irresponsible the insinuations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm over President Tinubu’s non-attendance at the UN General Assembly.

Vice President Shettima, who is representing the President at the global conference, is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.