Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, where he spent about a week before travelling to Paris, France. During his stay in Paris, he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
Despite being outside the country, the President has remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs. The Presidency said one of his directives was the order for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
While Tinubu has been away, Vice-President Kashim Shettima has represented him at some official engagements. Shettima, however, left Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is representing the President and will deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
With Shettima attending the UNGA, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, will continue to represent the President at official functions.
The Presidency also said Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading senior party figures in consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.
Addressing criticism over Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described comments by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm as “irresponsible.”
Onanuga said Shettima’s representation at the global gathering meant Nigeria would still be represented, with the Vice-President scheduled to present the country’s national statement.
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