President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hale and hearty and currently on an official working vacation, according to a statement dismissing speculation over his whereabouts.
The statement said the President remains engaged in official duties despite being away from Abuja, noting that modern technology enables him to perform presidential functions without being physically present in the Federal Capital Territory.
It said Tinubu had continued to hold meetings with investors during his stay in France, including engagements linked to a proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project at Ogun Waterside, an initiative of the Ogun State Government.
The statement also pointed to the absence of some other African leaders from the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York, noting that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi were also not attending the gathering.
According to the statement, Tinubu had formally announced his annual vacation and delegated Nigeria’s representation at the UN General Assembly to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
It criticised comments by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the President’s whereabouts, describing the questions as unnecessary.
The statement said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week for activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
It added that the President is also expected to attend the Lagos premiere of a film commemorating the life and legacy of the late businessman and democracy campaigner, MKO Abiola.
The statement maintained that Tinubu’s absence from Abuja should not be interpreted as disengagement from official responsibilities, stressing that the President has continued to carry out his duties while on vacation.
