The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully active and committed to his official duties despite being outside the country on a working vacation.
Onanuga made the clarification on Sunday in Abuja while reacting to concerns and speculations raised by some Nigerians over the President’s whereabouts in recent days.
According to him, there is no cause for alarm as President Tinubu is hale, hearty and in high spirits, and is carrying out important state functions even while away from Nigeria.
He explained that the President’s working vacation does not mean governance has been put on hold, noting that modern technology has made it possible for the President to stay connected to developments at home.
The Presidential spokesman said President Tinubu has been receiving regular briefings from top government officials, including the Vice President, ministers and heads of key agencies, and has been issuing directives where necessary.
He added that files requiring presidential attention are being treated promptly, while the President is also holding virtual meetings with relevant stakeholders on critical national issues.
Onanuga stressed that President Tinubu’s absence from the country is temporary and in line with his right to take time off to rest and recharge while still attending to national matters.
He dismissed insinuations that the President’s trip was shrouded in secrecy, explaining that the Presidency had earlier announced that President Tinubu was proceeding on a working vacation.
The Special Adviser urged Nigerians to disregard rumours and misleading narratives being peddled on social media suggesting that the President is incapacitated or unaccounted for.
He said such speculations are baseless, mischievous and aimed at creating unnecessary anxiety among citizens.
According to him, President Tinubu has always been transparent about his movements and has never abandoned his responsibilities at any point since assuming office.
Onanuga further disclosed that the President is expected to return to Nigeria within the week ahead of activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He said the President is keen on participating in the Independence Day celebrations and other important national engagements lined up for the week.
The statement noted that preparations are already in top gear for the Independence Anniversary, which will showcase Nigeria’s unity, resilience and progress over the years.
President Tinubu, who has been away for over a week, had embarked on the working vacation after weeks of intense official engagements both within and outside the country.
Before his departure, the President had attended several high-level meetings, commissioned projects and held consultations with various stakeholders on the economy, security and other national priorities.
The Presidency said it is normal for world leaders to take working vacations, during which they remain engaged with governance and international developments.
It recalled that even during the vacation, President Tinubu has been monitoring the implementation of key policies under his Renewed Hope Agenda and the performance of the economy.
Onanuga assured that the President is fully briefed on security developments across the country and is in constant touch with service chiefs and other security heads.
He also said the President is aware of concerns raised by Nigerians over recent economic challenges and is working with his economic team to address them.
The Presidential aide called on media practitioners to verify information before publishing and to avoid sensationalism that could mislead the public.
He reaffirmed that governance remains stable, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and other officials carrying out their constitutionally assigned roles while the President is away.
Onanuga concluded that Nigerians should look forward to the President’s return and his message to the nation on the occasion of the 66th Independence Anniversary.
