The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu is actively directing the affairs of state from Europe and will return to Nigeria on Monday, April 21, following the Easter holidays

The Presidency has issued a statement confirming that President Bola Tinubu is continuing to oversee the governance of Nigeria from Europe, where he has been for nearly two weeks.

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The President is scheduled to return to the country on Monday, April 21, after the conclusion of the Easter holidays.

In a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was explained that the President, who traveled from Paris to London over the weekend, “remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance” and is in “constant communication with key government officials.”

Onanuga further stated that the President has issued “directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.”

The statement, titled ‘Statement On President Tinubu’s Return To Nigeria,’ aimed to address concerns regarding the President’s extended stay abroad.

The Presidency clarified that Tinubu’s absence is “temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks.”

He is expected to return to Abuja and resume his duties at Aso Villa after the Easter holidays.

“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership,” stated Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership,” Onanuga said, reassuring the public that “governance proceeds without interruption.”

“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. We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption,” the statement read.

While the Presidency did not specify the exact purpose of Tinubu’s stay in Paris and London, it noted that it aligns with his pattern of working visits since assuming office nearly two years ago.

The statement was issued in response to criticisms from the opposition, who questioned Tinubu’s extended stay abroad amidst rising security concerns and killings, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, had raised concerns about the President’s absence during a period of heightened insecurity.