President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend, the Presidency said on Monday.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London before travelling to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu had continued to monitor events in Nigeria and direct government affairs while abroad.
He said the President also ordered an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna after they were detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation by a few days,” the statement said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima had represented Tinubu at some official events but travelled to New York on September 20 for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, will continue to represent the President at official functions.
The Presidency also defended Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly, describing claims by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a US-based lobbying firm as “irresponsible” and a “baseless insinuation.”
Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria this weekend.
