…. President dismisses health concerns, says rumours are part of politics
Daud Olatunji
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe, declaring that he is healthy, strong and ready to resume his official duties.
Tinubu, who arrived in Lagos from Paris, France, where he spent the latter part of his overseas working vacation, made the declaration while responding to journalists who asked about concerns surrounding his health.
The President said political rumours would continue to circulate but insisted that he remained fit to perform his responsibilities.
“Rumours will always emanate from politics. I am hale and strong. I am ready to work. The fact remains that I am here, healthy, sound and ready to go,” Tinubu said.
His return brings to an end an extended stay abroad that began on August 30, when he departed Nigeria for London before proceeding to Paris.
The Presidency initially announced that the President would spend three weeks in Europe as part of his annual leave, describing the trip as a working vacation. His stay was subsequently extended by several days.
During the period, the Presidency maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs despite his physical absence from the country.
The President also held official engagements in France, including meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu’s meeting with Bolloré focused on expanded investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy, with discussions involving film, entertainment, fibre-optic infrastructure and related sectors.
The prolonged stay abroad, however, generated political debate, particularly over Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented the President and led Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA, where he was mandated to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
Opposition figures and political groups had questioned the length of Tinubu’s absence and his decision not to personally attend the global gathering.
The Presidency, while defending the President’s trip, maintained that his physical absence from Nigeria did not prevent him from directing the affairs of government.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had also said that Tinubu remained in touch with developments at home during the vacation and continued to issue directives on national matters.
The President’s return also comes as the Federal Government prepares for activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos for official engagements connected with the anniversary, including events scheduled ahead of October 1.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation said the President is expected to attend an Independence Day public lecture on September 30, while his nationwide broadcast is scheduled for October 1.
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