Tinubu Extends European Working Vacation, Shettima Represents Him at UNGA

President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and will return to Nigeria at the weekend, according to the Presidency.

The President left Nigeria on August 30 and travelled to London to commence the working vacation. After about a week in London, he moved to Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu has remained engaged with developments in Nigeria throughout his stay abroad and has continued directing government affairs.

One of the actions attributed to him during the vacation was the directive for an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The President had delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at some official functions while he was away.

Shettima subsequently departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to participate in the 81st United Nations General Assembly. With the Vice President attending the UNGA, SGF George Akume is expected to continue representing Tinubu at official functions in Nigeria.

Shettima will also represent the President at the global conference and deliver Nigeria’s national statement.

Meanwhile, the Presidency said Senator Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, has been leading consultations involving prominent party leaders and traditional rulers across the country.

The Presidency also addressed criticism over Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UNGA in person.

Onanuga described the “baseless insinuation” by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm concerning Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA as “irresponsible.”

The statement added:

“Vice President Shettima, who is representing the President at the global conference, will present Nigeria’s national statement.”

The Presidency said Tinubu’s return to Nigeria is expected at the weekend after the extension of his working vacation by a few days.

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