The presidency has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent travels abroad, stating that the president is still on his two-week leave and is free to travel to any country of his choice. This statement was made in response to public criticism over Tinubu’s departure from Nigeria on October 2 for a vacation in the United Kingdom, as part of his annual leave.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, clarified that President Tinubu’s leave includes a working vacation meant for reflection on his administration’s economic reforms. He emphasized that the president retains the right to travel wherever he wishes during this period, dismissing allegations that the trips are a misuse of taxpayers’ money.
On Friday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, revealed that he had visited Tinubu at his private residence in the UK. According to Masari, the president was preparing to leave for Paris, France, to attend an important engagement. He shared details of the meeting on his verified social media account, noting that they had “engaged in productive discussions” before heading to Paris.
Masari’s post, however, sparked backlash from many Nigerians who criticized the president for traveling while the country grapples with severe economic challenges. Critics accused Tinubu of neglecting pressing domestic issues in favor of personal trips abroad.
In response, Onanuga reiterated that the president is within his rights to travel and that his leave, which was publicly announced, allows him time to rest and reflect while also attending to important international matters. He dismissed the criticism as unfounded, maintaining that Tinubu’s engagements abroad are part of his efforts to advance Nigeria’s interests.
