The Nigerian Presidency has responded to public reactions and widespread speculation surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s unexpected travel from the United Kingdom to France during his two-week leave. The clarification came after many Nigerians began questioning the nature of the President’s vacation, especially following his sudden departure from the UK to Paris, despite the earlier announcement that he was on a two-week break in the United Kingdom.
Initial Announcement of President Tinubu’s Leave
On October 2, 2024, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued an official statement to inform the public of the President’s departure from Nigeria. In the brief statement, Onanuga revealed that President Tinubu had left Abuja to begin a two-week vacation in the United Kingdom. This leave, which is part of Tinubu’s annual routine, was described as a much-needed break during which the President would take time to reflect on his administration’s progress, particularly in the area of economic reforms.
Onanuga’s announcement emphasized that while on leave, Tinubu would still be engaged in some work, as the vacation was categorized as a “working vacation” or retreat. The President, according to the statement, planned to use the period to recharge and review his government’s policies and strategies aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges. The leave was described as both personal and official in nature, blending time for rest and moments of reflection on national governance.
Tinubu’s Unexpected Move from the UK to France
However, in an unexpected development, it was revealed on Friday, October 6, that President Tinubu had left the United Kingdom for France. This news sparked various reactions across the public, with many wondering why the President had left the UK during what was presumed to be a private vacation.
Ibrahim Kabir Masari, the Special Assistant to the President on Political and other matters, confirmed the President’s move to France through a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @KabirIbrah64. In the post, Masari disclosed that he had visited President Tinubu at his private residence in the UK, where they had engaged in productive discussions. Following their meeting, the President had then departed for Paris, France, to attend what Masari described as “another important engagement.”
In his post, Masari wrote, “Today, I had the honour of visiting President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at his private residence in the United Kingdom, where we engaged in productive discussions. We then departed for Paris, France, for another important engagement.”
Public Reaction to the President’s Travels
The news of President Tinubu’s departure from the UK raised concerns and sparked debate among Nigerians, especially given the timing of his travels. Some citizens began to speculate about the nature of the President’s engagements in France, while others questioned whether Tinubu was truly on vacation or attending to official business. Social media platforms were abuzz with comments and opinions, with many people expressing curiosity and seeking clarification on why the President had left the UK during what was supposed to be his leave period.
Critics pointed out that the President’s movement to another country during a declared vacation could raise concerns about transparency and accountability, particularly in the context of governance. Some individuals questioned whether the President’s leave was truly private or if official matters were taking precedence over his supposed vacation time.
Presidency’s Clarification: Tinubu is Free to Travel During His Leave
In response to the growing public curiosity and comments trailing the President’s trip, Bayo Onanuga addressed the situation, seeking to calm concerns and provide clarity on Tinubu’s movements. Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu was not restricted to the United Kingdom during his two-week vacation, as the leave was private, and the President had the liberty to travel wherever he chose during this period.
Onanuga took to his verified X handle to reiterate that the President was still on leave and could travel to any destination of his choosing. He made it clear that Tinubu’s travels to France did not alter the fact that he was on a two-week break, and he emphasized that it remained the President’s personal time. According to Onanuga, the President’s itinerary during his leave was entirely his own decision, and his movement to France should not be seen as unusual or controversial.
In his post, Onanuga wrote, “President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks. He is not restricted to the UK. It is his private time. He can go anywhere he so desires. He is still observing his leave.”
The Presidency’s statement was intended to address and dispel any speculation or misunderstanding surrounding Tinubu’s travels. Onanuga’s message highlighted that Tinubu’s leave, while categorized as a working vacation, allowed the President the freedom to travel for personal reasons or to attend engagements he deemed important, whether in the UK or elsewhere.
Tinubu’s “Working Vacation” and Economic Reflection
It is important to note that the initial announcement of Tinubu’s vacation had described it as a “working vacation,” meaning that the President was still engaged in some level of work during this period. While it was made clear that the President was on a personal break, he was also expected to use the time to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms, which have been a key focus since he took office.
Since his inauguration in May 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has been heavily focused on addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, including implementing reforms aimed at improving fiscal policies, stabilizing the naira, and creating job opportunities. The vacation, according to Onanuga, was an opportunity for Tinubu to review the progress made so far and to strategize on how to further strengthen his economic agenda.
Given the “working” nature of the vacation, Tinubu’s travel to France could very well involve important discussions or meetings related to Nigeria’s economic future. However, the Presidency did not provide specific details regarding the engagement in France, leaving the public to speculate on the nature of the trip.
Presidency Seeks to Quell Speculation
In the face of rising public curiosity about President Tinubu’s movements, the Presidency has sought to clarify that the President is free to travel during his leave, and his visit to France does not alter the fact that he is still on a two-week break. The Presidency’s message is clear: Tinubu’s vacation remains a mix of private time and professional reflection, and he is not confined to one location during this period.
As the two-week leave continues, it remains to be seen whether the President will travel to other destinations or return to Nigeria directly from France. Regardless of his movements, the Presidency’s stance is that Tinubu remains on vacation and that his travels should not be a cause for concern.
