Amid mounting public criticism over President Bola Tinubu’s continued stay abroad despite escalating security and economic challenges in Nigeria, the Presidency has defended his absence, insisting that he remains actively engaged in governance from Europe.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga acknowledged concerns over the president’s absence but emphasized that Tinubu has been in regular communication with key officials and has continued to discharge his constitutional responsibilities remotely.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance even though he is away in Europe,” Onanuga said. “He has been in contact with top government officials and has given directives to security chiefs on emerging threats. His return is expected after the Easter holiday.”
Support from Afenifere, Ondo Traditional Rulers
In a show of support, the National Leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, commended Tinubu for his governance approach and commitment to national development. Speaking during a visit by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to his Akure residence, the 98-year-old elder statesman praised the president’s performance, saying he had surpassed expectations.
Also backing Tinubu, the Ondo State Traditional Council threw its weight behind him for a second term, saying he was on the right track in addressing the country’s problems.
Criticism from Opposition and Civil Society
The president’s recent trip to France has, however, sparked a wave of backlash from opposition parties and civil society organizations, who argue that the timing is inappropriate given Nigeria’s worsening internal situation.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have condemned the trip, citing insensitivity to the nation’s security and economic crises.
Atiku, in a strongly worded statement, called on Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on what he termed his “disastrous presidency,” accusing the president of abandoning his duties while the country “bleeds.”
“What justification is there for gallivanting across Europe while Nigeria bleeds?” Atiku asked. “By the time Tinubu struts back from this escapade, he will have spent 59 days in France since taking office. All while Nigeria spirals into chaos.”
Obi also called on Tinubu to suspend his “working visit” and return home immediately to confront the security situation, especially the ongoing violence in Plateau and Benue states.
Economic Tensions Fuel the Outcry
The criticism comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s economic downturn in 2025, marked by soaring inflation, rising unemployment, and a weakening naira. Analysts and activists say the president’s foreign trips send the wrong message during a period of widespread hardship.
Presidency Maintains Governance is Uninterrupted
Despite the outcry, the Presidency insisted there is no cause for alarm. “The president’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership,” the statement read.
Tinubu’s trip, it emphasized, was pre-planned and within a communicated timeframe of about two weeks. The president is currently in London after leaving Paris and is expected back in Abuja after the Easter break.
First Lady Visits Ondo, Champions Renewed Hope Agenda
Meanwhile, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been on a two-day visit to Ondo State to promote the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a key social intervention program of the Tinubu administration.
During her visit, she presented professional kits—including 10,000 branded scrubs and 10,000 pairs of crocs—to midwives in the South-West region, as part of efforts to support healthcare workers and complement the federal government’s retraining programme for frontline health staff.
In her keynote address, she urged healthcare professionals to embrace continuous learning and praised the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for their efforts to enhance healthcare delivery.
Also during the visit, the First Lady donated ₦50 million to 1,000 women petty traders under the RHI Small Business Recapitalisation Programme. Of these, 200 women selling fabrics received two bales of material each to boost their businesses.
She met with over 60 traditional rulers, led by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, who pledged to spread awareness about the RHI’s campaigns against tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and stigmatization in their domains.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his wife, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s visit and highlighted the positive impact of the federal government’s projects in Ondo State, including the upgrade of Adeyemi College of Education to a University of Education and the siting of an Air Force School in Akure.
