Precious Nwonu, Enugu
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a four-week working vacation in Europe, dismissing concerns about his health and declaring that he is ready to resume his activities.
Tinubu spoke with journalists on Tuesday shortly after arriving at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, from Paris, where he spent the final part of his extended stay.
Asked about concerns raised in some quarters about his health, the President said there was nothing wrong with him.
“Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong. Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain: I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go,” Tinubu said.
The President’s aircraft touched down in Lagos at about 6.22pm. He was received at the airport by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila and other senior government officials.
A cultural troupe was also present to welcome the President.
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for what was initially announced as a three-week working vacation. He spent about a week in London before travelling to Paris, where he held several official and business-related engagements. The Presidency later announced that his stay had been extended by a few days.
Before his return, the Presidency said Tinubu chose to travel to Lagos first to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
The President is expected to attend the October 1 premiere of a film honouring Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections before returning to Abuja.
During his stay in France, the President held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met with business executive Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group.
He also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of a Gateway Deep Sea Port in Ogun Waterside and a Blue Marine Economic Zone, with DP World planning to invest $7bn in the project.
On Monday, Tinubu also met with the Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, Femi Otedola.
His extended absence from Nigeria had generated public and political discussion, including questions about his health and his decision not to personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the gathering and delivered the country’s national statement.
With his return to Lagos, Tinubu is expected to resume physical engagements in Nigeria after spending about four weeks abroad.
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