President TINUBU Extends Vacation Beyond 3 Weeks, Deflects ATIKU's Criticism

President BOLA AHMED TINUBU has extended his current vacation beyond the initial three weeks and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.

President TINUBU is currently in France on the second leg of his overseas "working vacation", which began on August 30, with his first stop in London, United Kingdom.

After spending a week in London, President TINUBU moved to Paris, France, where he met with French President EMMANUEL MACRON.

Confirming the extended vacation in a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, BAYO ONANUGA noted that since he began the vacation, President TINUBU has continued to keep in touch with home, directing the affairs of the nation.

Among other actions taken in the course of his vacation, ONANUGA noted that the President ordered an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among other things.

He also noted that "while away, President TINUBU delegated Vice President KASHIM SHETTIMA to represent him at some official functions. He said "though Shettima left Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who has also been representing the President at events, will continue to do so."

On the political front, the presidential spokesman said the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading notable party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers in the country.

He described the baseless insinuation by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar about President Tinubu's non-attendance at UNGA as irresponsible.

He said Vice President Shettima, who is representing the President at the global conference, will present Nigeria's national statement.