President Bola Tinubu has postponed his planned return to Nigeria following a last-minute adjustment to his travel schedule, according to sources familiar with the development.
The President had been expected back in the country over the weekend after spending several weeks in Europe on a working vacation. Sources told TheCable that his itinerary was subsequently changed, with his return now expected on Tuesday. The reason for the latest adjustment was not immediately known.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin a three-week working vacation before moving to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
On September 21, the Presidency announced that the President had extended his stay abroad by a few days and would return to Nigeria at the weekend. It also said Tinubu had remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while away.
During his absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at several official engagements. Shettima later travelled to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is representing Nigeria.
The Presidency said Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would continue to represent the President at official functions while Shettima was away.
Questions over extended absence
Tinubu’s prolonged stay outside Nigeria has also generated political and constitutional debate, particularly over the formal transfer of presidential powers during an extended absence.
Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution provides for a written declaration by the President to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge his functions. The provision also outlines circumstances under which the Vice President acts in the President’s capacity.
However, the precise constitutional implications of Tinubu’s current absence have become a subject of political discussion, with opposition figures raising questions about whether the relevant constitutional procedure should apply to the length of his stay abroad.
For now, the Presidency has maintained that Tinubu has continued to direct the affairs of government from abroad.
The latest change means the President’s return schedule remains subject to further confirmation from the Presidency.