The Presidency has responded to growing criticism over President Bola Tinubu’s extended working visit to Europe, maintaining that he remains fully engaged in governance despite being abroad. Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga confirmed the President moved from Paris to London last weekend and continues to oversee national affairs, including directing security operations to address recent violence in Plateau and Benue states.
The statement comes after opposition leaders Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar separately called for Tinubu’s immediate return following deadly attacks that claimed over 150 lives during his absence. Obi likened the President to “a retreating CEO” abandoning a failing company, while Atiku’s camp accused him of “dereliction of duty” after reportedly spending 59 days in France since taking office.
Presidency officials emphasized the working visit – which began April 2 – was always planned as a two-week retreat for mid-term performance reviews and strategic planning ahead of the administration’s second anniversary. They confirmed Tinubu will return to Abuja after the Easter holiday period.
Key Developments:
- Presidency insists governance continues uninterrupted despite physical absence
- Opposition leaders demand immediate return amid security crisis
- Working visit originally framed as strategic planning retreat
- President maintaining communication with security chiefs
- Return timeline unchanged despite escalating criticism
The administration faces mounting pressure as security deteriorates in multiple regions, with recent massacres in Plateau and Benue states compounding existing challenges from banditry, kidnappings and communal violence. Critics argue the President’s extended absence during this period sends poor signals about crisis response priorities.
