Tinubu hale, hearty, says Presidency

The Presidency has stated that President Bola Tinubu is in good health and actively engaged in his official duties, despite his absence from Abuja and the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In a statement released on Sunday by the Presidency's Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga on X, Tinubu is currently on his annual vacation but remains committed to his responsibilities.

"President Tinubu is hale and hearty," the statement declared, emphasizing that the President is within his rights to take a working vacation in the digital age. The Presidency argued that technological advancements allow the President to remain productive while physically distant from Abuja. This claim was supported by reports of Tinubu's meetings with investors in France, demonstrating his ongoing engagement in work.

The statement also highlighted the Ogun State Government's proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project, alleging that Tinubu facilitated its initiation. When addressing concerns over Tinubu's absence from the UNGA, the Presidency noted that other African leaders, such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were also absent from the event.

The Presidency added that Tinubu had delegated Nigeria's representation to Vice President Kashim Shettima during his vacation. Additionally, the Presidency criticized opposition leader Peter Obi for questioning Tinubu's whereabouts, claiming that Obi was unaware of the President's current situation. The statement announced Tinubu's expected return to Nigeria this week, ahead of the country's 66th Independence Anniversary, and indicated that the President plans to attend a movie premier in Lagos honoring the life of late businessman and democracy advocate, MKO Abiola.