President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following his working trip to France and the United Kingdom. The Nigerian leader was welcomed back at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja late on Monday, with senior government officials in attendance.
According to a post shared by presidential aide Dada Olusegun on X (formerly Twitter), “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returns to Abuja after a visit to Paris and London.”
Arrival Details
Among those present to welcome the president were prominent figures such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu; and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The Purpose of the Visit
President Tinubu’s trip began on April 2, when he traveled to Paris for what was initially described as a “short working visit.” According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the purpose of the visit was for Tinubu to engage in a review of his administration’s achievements.
While the details of the trip were officially focused on reviewing the government’s progress, Tinubu’s visit sparked significant public debate, especially amid rising security concerns in Nigeria.
Mixed Reactions Amid Insecurity
The president’s absence has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly given the alarming security situation in the country. In recent weeks, renewed attacks and killings have been reported in states such as Plateau and Benue, leading to further unrest.
Prominent opposition leaders, including Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), publicly voiced concerns over the timing of Tinubu’s travels. They questioned the president’s decision to remain in Europe while Nigeria grapples with mounting insecurity.
Despite the criticism, the presidency has remained steadfast in defending the president’s trip. In a statement, presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala vehemently denied reports suggesting that the president had travelled abroad for medical treatment, which had been speculated by some. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Bwala said, “Sometimes on social media, somebody will be tweeting, you don’t even know who the person is; it can be somebody who has mental health issues somewhere. The president did not go to see a doctor; he’s on a working visit and we have been publishing his activities.”
A Divided Public Opinion
While Tinubu’s visit has certainly sparked debate, it also underscores a broader political divide in the country. The visit’s timing, amidst ongoing security concerns, has led many Nigerians to question the priorities of the government, particularly when public confidence in the handling of national security is low.
As President Tinubu returns home, the public continues to scrutinize his leadership, with many awaiting clearer action on the rising violence and instability in the country.