Presidency Dismisses Health Rumours, Confirms Tinubu’s Return Ahead of Independence Anniversary
The Presidency has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against social media speculation regarding his health and absence from the country, confirming that the Head of State is hale and hearty on an official working vacation.
State officials clarified that the President remains fully engaged in state matters, emphasizing that the modern digital landscape allows for effective governance outside the federal capital of Abuja.
According to official correspondence, President Tinubu’s working vacation has yielded significant diplomatic and economic progress. While based in France, the President met with key international investors to secure critical funding for domestic infrastructure.
Chief among these discussions was the facilitation of a $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside. The massive infrastructure investment is a joint initiative spearheaded by the Ogun State Government and supported by federal executive engagement.
The administration also addressed domestic criticism surrounding President Tinubu’s decision to bypass the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The executive office drew direct comparisons to other prominent African heads of state who did not attend the summit, such as South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Presidency officials noted that unlike his counterparts, President Tinubu formally announced his annual leave and seamlessly delegated authority to Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead the Nigerian delegation in New York.
The administration sharply criticized NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, accusing him of political posturing and feigning ignorance about the President’s public itinerary to fuel speculative narratives on the social media platform.
Return Timeline
Having shifted his return date twice, the statement says President Tinubu is scheduled to return to Nigeria this week to lead the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
In addition to official anniversary protocols, the President is slated to travel to Lagos to attend the premiere of a biographical film honoring the late Chief MKO Abiola, recognizing him as a foundational martyr of modern Nigerian democracy.
