…President’s Absence Amid National Crises Fuels Criticism, Presidency Assures Oversights.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s extended stay in Europe has ignited a wave of controversy, with opposition parties and prominent figures demanding his immediate return to Nigeria. The development comes as the nation grapples with escalating security challenges and internal crises, prompting questions about the president’s continued absence and the handling of governance during his extended overseas trip.
Daily Trust reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition leaders have voiced strong criticisms, questioning the timing of President Tinubu’s extended stay amidst rising tensions and violence in various parts of the country. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have both publicly called for the president’s return, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the security situation in Plateau, Benue, and other affected regions.
President Tinubu initially departed Abuja for Paris, France, on April 2nd, with the Presidency stating it was a “working visit.” Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, had outlined that the visit would involve appraising the administration’s midterm performance and reviewing ongoing reforms. He also stated the president would return to Nigeria within a fortnight.
However, as criticism mounted, the Presidency issued a subsequent statement on April 17th, clarifying that the president would now return to Nigeria after the Easter holidays. Onanuga reiterated that President Tinubu remains actively engaged in governance from abroad, monitoring developments and issuing directives to security chiefs.
“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,” Onanuga stated.
Details of President Tinubu’s activities in Paris reveal a meeting with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa from the previous US administration, focusing on potential strategic economic and security partnerships between Nigeria, Africa, and the United States. According to Onanuga, this representative conveyed the former administration’s interest in strengthening direct engagement with Nigeria. Discussions reportedly centered on expanding American investment, supporting energy and infrastructure development, aligning trade and job creation efforts, and addressing regional peace initiatives.
Amidst the ongoing debate about the president’s extended stay, the issue of a potential handover of power to Vice President Kashim Shettima has also surfaced. While the Presidency has maintained that President Tinubu is fully overseeing governance from Europe, constitutional provisions and the optics of leadership during a time of national crisis are fueling calls for a formal transfer of authority to the Vice President to avoid any perceived vacuum in leadership. The expectation remains that President Tinubu will eventually delegate authority to his Vice President to ensure the smooth functioning of government in his continued absence.
