Tinubu’s Paris Retreat: Presidency Replies Critics, Says President In charge, On Duty

By Adesina Soyooye

“Mr President has left Paris for London and will return to duty in Aso Rock after the Easter holiday”

The Presidency has responded to the multitude of critics who are lamenting President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the country in the face of the unprecedented attacks in States by terrorists and hoodlums.

From Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Zamfara States and more, blood flows, helplessness reigns, over 200 people have been mowed down in cold blood – men, women, youths, children, babies. Nobody is spared. In most other States, kidnapping for ransom is the order of the day. But the President is absent.

Two weeks ago, almost, President Tinubu left Nigeria for Paris, France on what the Presidency said was a working visit. It is within this period of the President’s  absence that blood is flowing like a river.

His continued absence in the face of this killing field has shocked many and attracted lamentations and strongly-worded condemnation from the masses and the high and mighty. They expected him to cut short his visit and rush home to take charge. They describe his absence as dereliction of duty; they say he is in Paris wining and dining while the country which President he is on fire, boiling.

But the Presidency does not think so; it  says calm down, all is well.

In a response signed by Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, released on Thursday, the Presidency said President Tinubu is fully on duty and in charge. The statement said he is ruling Nigeria from where he is; that he is giving orders from there.

The statement, also, disclosed that he had left France for  London, over the weekend, and would be back to Nigeria on the conclusion of the Easter holidays.

Said the Presidency in the Statement:  “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance even though he is away in Europe.

“His absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated time frame of approximately two weeks.

“The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key Government officials; overseeing critical  national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.

“His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Rock will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday.

“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.

“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption.”