President Tinubu Returns to Nigeria After Two Weeks Abroad

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria today, April 21, after spending nearly two weeks on an official trip abroad. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the news in a brief message on social media platform X.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return home today,” Onanuga posted on Monday morning.
The Presidency had earlier assured Nigerians that Tinubu remained in full control of government affairs while away.

In a statement last Thursday, Onanuga said the President had travelled from Paris to London over the weekend but had been in regular contact with key government officials back home.

According to him, Tinubu continued to lead the country from abroad by giving instructions on pressing national issues, including directing security agencies to tackle rising insecurity in certain parts of the country.

“The President’s absence is temporary and falls within the two-week timeframe earlier communicated. He is scheduled to return on April 21 after the Easter break,” the statement said.

Onanuga also stressed that Tinubu’s commitment to governance has not wavered, and government operations have continued smoothly. “We appreciate the concern of the public and want to assure Nigerians that there is no interruption in leadership or national administration,” he added.

President Tinubu departed Nigeria for Paris on April 2 for what the Presidency described as a two-week working visit. The trip, according to Onanuga, was meant to allow the President review the mid-term progress of his administration and assess key achievements so far.

However, Tinubu’s extended stay abroad sparked criticism from opposition leaders and concerned citizens, especially with the rising insecurity in different parts of the country, including Plateau and Benue states.

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi both questioned the President’s continued stay outside the country during a time of growing security challenges.

Atiku, speaking through his media aide Paul Ibe, accused the President of neglecting his duties. “Tinubu is away while Nigeria faces serious violence and loss of lives. This shows a lack of responsibility by the APC-led government,” Atiku said. “Nigerians need a leader who is present and actively involved.”

Peter Obi also called on Tinubu to return home without delay and take charge of the situation. “In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have been killed due to insecurity,” Obi stated, listing recent attacks in Plateau, Zamfara, Borno, and Benue states.

“I urge Mr President to pause whatever engagement he is involved in abroad and return home to take responsibility,” Obi added.

In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the President’s trip. The party’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, rejected claims that the country was without leadership.

“The President being outside Nigeria doesn’t mean he’s not running the country,” Ibrahim explained. “He is still giving orders and overseeing national affairs.”

He further stated that Vice President Kashim Shettima had been effectively representing the President in his absence. “You can’t say there’s a leadership vacuum when the Vice President is active and involved,” Ibrahim added.

As Tinubu returns to Nigeria today, many citizens hope he will quickly address the security challenges and other pressing issues affecting the nation. His return also marks the beginning of what is expected to be a critical period for assessing the achievements and challenges of his administration so far.

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