Tinubu remains actively involved in governance from Europe, to return after easter – Presidency

In a statement released today, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that Tinubu’s absence is in line with a previously communicated two-week schedule and that he continues to oversee national affairs from abroad.

According to Onanuga, the President left Paris for London over the weekend and has been in regular contact with top government officials.

He has issued crucial directives, particularly to security agencies, in response to recent security threats in various regions.

Tinubu, who departed for Paris on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, is expected to return to Abuja and resume duties at the Presidential Villa after the Easter holiday.

“The President remains deeply committed to his responsibilities, and the government continues to function efficiently under his leadership. We thank Nigerians for their concern and reaffirm that governance is ongoing without interruption,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, calls have intensified for the President’s immediate return, following heightened insecurity, particularly the tragic killings in Plateau and Benue States.

Opposition leaders have publicly criticized his continued stay in Europe amid the crisis.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, took to his official X handle yesterday to express concern over Tinubu’s absence during what he described as a critical period for national security.

“Mr. President, domestic problems beckon,” Obi stated. “At this troubling time, I urge the President to suspend his overseas retreat and urgently return to address the worsening insecurity across the country.”

He highlighted that over 150 Nigerians have been killed in the past two weeks, with violent attacks in Plateau, Zamfara, and pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, underscoring the country’s fragile state.

Obi likened the President to a CEO who is absent from a company in crisis and urged him to return immediately and take charge.

Echoing similar sentiments, former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar also criticized Tinubu’s extended stay in Europe.

Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, released a statement decrying the President’s absence, saying, “By the time Tinubu returns from this latest trip, he would have spent a total of 59 days in France since taking office. While he enjoys fine dining in a stable country, Nigeria is gripped by chaos.”

The statement cited severe security issues, including killings in Plateau and Benue, territorial gains by Boko Haram, and worsening poverty. It described the President’s prolonged absence as a severe dereliction of duty.

President Tinubu is currently in Europe for what the Presidency has described as a working visit focused on evaluating his administration’s mid-term performance, ongoing reforms, and strategic plans for the second anniversary of his tenure.