Post by Jude Chibueze Mgbemene (@ijelenwamazi206)

*BREAKING: TINUBU HALE AND HEARTY, WORKING FROM ABROAD — PRESIDENCY*

ABUJA —The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu is hale and hearty and remains actively engaged in the affairs of government while on his working vacation abroad.

The clarification came on Sunday amid renewed questions over the President’s whereabouts and his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Vice-President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation and has continued to keep in touch with officials at home and direct the affairs of the country from abroad.

The President’s vacation was extended by a few days, with the State House announcing on September 21 that he would return to Nigeria at the weekend.

During his stay in Europe, Tinubu has continued to hold official engagements and meetings with political and business leaders.

In Paris on Thursday, he witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and global ports and logistics operator, DP World, for the development of the Gateway Deep Seaport at Ogun Waterside and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.

The projects are expected to attract an initial investment of more than $7 billion and create over 50,000 direct jobs when fully developed, according to the Presidency.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tinubu assured domestic and foreign investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing regulatory clarity, policy stability and institutional support for the projects.

The proposed Gateway Deep Seaport is expected to feature a four-kilometre berth and an 18-metre draft, while the Blue Marine Special Economic Zone is planned to cover about 10,000 hectares.

The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu’s physical absence from Abuja does not amount to disengagement from governance, stressing that the President has continued to issue directives and participate in official activities while away from the country.

It has also defended the decision for Shettima to represent the President at the UNGA, with the Vice-President expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the global gathering.

The development has nevertheless generated political debate, with former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning the President’s whereabouts and absence from the UNGA.

The Presidency, however, has maintained that Tinubu’s working vacation was duly announced and that the President has remained engaged with national affairs.

Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria shortly, according to the State House, following the extension of his working vacation.

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