ABUJA — The Presidency has responded to growing questions about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health and prolonged stay outside Nigeria, saying the President is “hale and hearty.”
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga gave the assurance on Sunday, September 27, saying Tinubu is currently on a working vacation and continues to carry out official duties while abroad.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu does not need to be physically present in Abuja to perform his presidential responsibilities, given modern communication technology.
The Presidency also pointed to the President’s reported meetings with investors in France as evidence that he has remained engaged with government and economic matters.
Why the health question came up
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation, initially expected to last three weeks. The Presidency later announced an extension of the trip.
His absence during the 81st United Nations General Assembly also generated questions, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing Nigeria at the meeting in New York.
Opposition figures have questioned the length of Tinubu’s stay abroad and called for greater clarity about his whereabouts and the constitutional arrangements during his absence. Those are political claims and criticisms, not evidence of a health condition.
What the Presidency has confirmed
- The Presidency says Tinubu is “hale and hearty.”
- It says he is on a working vacation.
- It says he continues to perform official duties while abroad.
- The Presidency says he is expected to return to Nigeria this week.
There is no confirmed medical diagnosis or official statement identifying a health problem in the reports reviewed for this story.
MONAFRIKA POLITICS
The Presidency’s statement comes amid increased public discussion about the President’s extended absence from Nigeria. For now, the official position is that Tinubu is in good health and remains engaged in government business while on vacation.
0 COMMENTS
Leave a Reply