Tinubu's Extended Vacation Raises Constitutional Concerns

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his "working vacation" beyond the scheduled return date of September 20, raising concerns regarding his absence from Nigeria. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), represented by Director Dr Dauda Garuba, suggested that citizens could seek judicial interpretation of the president's prolonged absence, emphasizing the need to adhere to constitutional provisions.

Despite the concerns, Special Adviser Mr. Bayo Onanuga reassured the public that President Tinubu is "hale and hearty" and capable of fulfilling his duties remotely, having met with investors in France, including facilitating a $7 billion deep-sea port initiative in Ogun Waterside. Onanuga also noted that other African leaders, such as South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were absent from the United Nations General Assembly without significant backlash.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria to commemorate the country's 66th Independence Anniversary and honor MKO Abiola.