President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending several weeks on annual leave in the United Kingdom and France.
His aircraft touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening, marking the end of his working leave.
Presidential aide Dada Olusegun confirmed the President’s arrival on his X (formerly Twitter) account, writing, “The eagle has landed. Welcome home, Mr President.”
A team of top government officials were on hand to welcome the President.
These included the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and others.
“Well-Rested and Ready to Work”
Gbajabiamila, speaking on the President’s return, assured Nigerians that the administration will refocus on fine-tuning its policies following Tinubu’s rest.
“The kind of work he’s been doing in the last year and a half requires some rest. Now, he’s well-rested, rejuvenated,” Gbajabiamila noted.
“It was a working holiday, so he was working and resting simultaneously. Now that he’s back, all hands are on deck, and he’s ready to go.”
He further added, “Nigerians will begin to see the fruits of his labour. We all should remain expectant and hopeful, living in Renewed Hope as Mr President returns to continue the good work.”
Tinubu’s two-week working leave is part of his annual break.
He departed for the UK on October 2, with the presidency explaining it as a time for both reflection and work since taking office in May 2023.
Concerns Over Leadership
However, during his time abroad, there were reports that Tinubu had left the UK for France, which sparked public concern.
His Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Kabir Masari, confirmed the development, though no official reason was given for the change in location.
The situation raised further unease when, on October 16, Vice President Kashim Shettima also left the country for Sweden on a two-day visit.
He was there to represent Nigeria in bilateral discussions with the European nations.
This dual absence prompted public debate, with opposition figures like Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, questioning the situation.
Obi took to X to express his concerns, stating, “While it is arguable that with the President and Vice President absent from the Villa, there is no vacancy in the presidency, it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.”
Presidency Denies Leadership Vacuum
Despite the public discontent, the presidency insisted that the absence of both the President and Vice President did not create a leadership vacuum.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga stated, “It is important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country.”
Tinubu’s return now signals a renewed focus on governance as his administration aims to address the challenges facing the nation.
