Tinubu postpones return to Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has postponed his return to Nigeria following a last-minute adjustment to his travel itinerary, with the President now expected to arrive in the country on Tuesday, September 29.

Presidential sources told TheCable that Tinubu, who had been expected back in Nigeria this weekend, would no longer return as initially planned. The reason for the latest change was not immediately disclosed.

The President is expected to return through Lagos, where he may remain for several days before travelling to Abuja, according to reports citing Presidency sources.

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin a three-week working vacation as part of his annual leave. He later travelled to Paris, France, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

On September 21, the Presidency announced that Tinubu had extended his stay in Europe by a few days and would return to Nigeria at the weekend. It said the President remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima had represented Tinubu at some official engagements during the President’s absence. Shettima, however, travelled to New York on September 20 to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The prolonged absence has also generated a constitutional debate over the exercise of presidential powers when the President is outside the country for an extended period.

Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation, after which the Vice-President performs the functions of President in an acting capacity.

The issue has drawn questions from opposition figures and some lawmakers, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio said there was no vacancy in Aso Rock and that Tinubu remained in charge of the country’s affairs despite being abroad.

As of Sunday morning, no official reason had been given for the latest change to Tinubu’s return schedule.