The Presidency has dismissed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s health, saying the Nigerian leader is “hale and hearty” despite his extended stay in France.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the assurance on Sunday while explaining Tinubu’s continued absence from Nigeria.
Tinubu has been in Europe since August 30, when he travelled to London to begin his annual working vacation.
He later moved to Paris, where the Presidency said he has continued with official engagements.
Onanuga said the President’s physical absence from Abuja has not prevented him from performing his duties.
He explained that modern communication allows Tinubu to remain involved in government business while outside the country.
“President Tinubu is hale and hearty,” Onanuga said, adding that the President had continued working during his stay abroad.
The presidential aide also pointed to Tinubu’s meetings with investors in France as evidence of his continued official engagements.
The activities cited included the President’s involvement in discussions on a proposed $7 billion Gateway Deep Seaport and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
The Presidency’s clarification comes amid renewed attention over Tinubu’s prolonged absence and his decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the UNGA on Tinubu’s behalf. The Presidency had earlier said Tinubu delegated the assignment to his deputy as he continued his vacation.
Onanuga also referenced the absence of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi from the UN gathering while defending Tinubu’s decision to remain abroad.
He further criticised former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi over questions concerning Tinubu’s whereabouts.
However, the Presidency maintained that the President’s location and working vacation had already been communicated publicly.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week for activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Onanuga also said the President would attend the Lagos premiere of a film commemorating the late MKO Abiola, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.