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The Presidency has claimed that despite his continued stay out of the country, President Bola Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria's governance.
The President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Thursday, April 17, 2025. He said his principal's absence remains temporary and aligns with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks.
Onangua said the President, who left Paris, the French capital, for London at the weekend, has maintained constant communication with key government officials.
He added that Tinubu has been overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.
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ALSO READ: 'Nigeria is bleeding': Atiku slams Tinubu’s absence amid rising insecurity
The presidential spokesman confirmed that Tinubu will return to Abuja and resume duties at Aso Villa after the Easter holiday, which is scheduled for this weekend.
“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,” the statement read.
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Calls grow for Tinubu's return
This comes amid growing calls for the President to return to the country amid escalating security threats in some parts of the country.
In the last two weeks, gunmen have unleashed mayhem on villagers across some local government areas of Benue and Plateau States, resulting in the massacre of scores of residents.
The development prompted opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, to demand the President's immediate return.
In a post on his X account on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate condemned the President’s absence amid worsening violence and insecurity across the country.
“Mr President, domestic problems beckon,” Obi wrote.
ALSO READ: El-Rufai labels Tinubu’s government 'worst in Nigeria's history'
“I am compelled at this time in our lives as a nation to call on our retreating President’s attention to the security challenges at home, which entail that he immediately suspend his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country.”
“In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in Plateau and Zamfara states,” he said.