Tinubu extends working holiday, scheduled for homecoming weekend – THISAGE

By Victor Osula, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has extended his working holiday in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the Presidency said on Monday.

The announcement came as Vice President Kashim Shettima represents the president at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national declaration.

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 to begin his working holiday in London. After spending a week in the UK, he traveled to Paris, France, where he had meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

A statement signed on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu remained in touch with developments at home and continued to direct government affairs despite being away from Nigeria.

One of the major decisions made by the President during the period was his directive for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 alleged illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.

The deaths had raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the detention and treatment of the miners, prompting the President to order an independent investigation.

Tinubu’s decision to extend his stay abroad means he will not personally attend the opening of the high-level segment of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Shettima, who left Abuja on September 20, will represent the President at the global meeting and present Nigeria’s national declaration.

The Presidency said the representation of the Vice President was part of the arrangements for Tinubu’s absence from the country.

With Shettima now in New York, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will continue to represent the President in some official functions.

The Presidency said Tinubu had also delegated the Vice President to represent him in official functions while he was away, while Akume had similarly intervened in other engagements.

The president’s extended stay in Europe also comes amid increased political activity at home ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to the Presidency, the Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has led key ruling party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.

The consultations are part of ongoing political commitments as the administration heads into the next election cycle.

The Presidency also reacted strongly to criticism of Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the UN General Assembly.

He described as irresponsible what he called an “unfounded insinuation” by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying firm led by an ex-convict regarding the president’s failure to attend the global meeting.

The Presidency maintained that Nigeria will be adequately represented by Shettima, who will make the country’s national declaration.

Tinubu’s latest trip began as an official working holiday, during which the President combined his leave with selected diplomatic, business and government engagements.

His meeting with Macron in Paris provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations, while his engagement with Bolloré focused on trade and investment interests involving Nigeria.