The presidency has said President Bola Tinubu is “fully engaged in governance” while being away from the country.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, presidential media aide, said Tinubu would return to Nigeria after the Easter holiday.
On April 2, Tinubu departed Nigeria for France on a two-week “working visit”.
The presidency had said during Tinubu’s stay in France, he would assess his administration’s midterm performance ahead of his second anniversary in office.
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During Tinubu’s stay in France, there has been a surge in killings and abductions by gunmen in several parts of the country, notably in Plateau and Benue states.
Opposition leaders have expressed concerns over the president’s continued stay abroad while there are urgent national issues at home requiring his attention.
On Wednesday, Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, asked the president to suspend his France retreat amid the worsening insecurity back home.
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Responding to the concerns, Onanuga said the president left Paris for London over the weekend, noting that he has maintained constant communication with key government officials.
“His absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks,” the statement reads.
“The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.
“His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.
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“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.
“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption.”
