President Bola Tinubu has extended his vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the presidency announced on Monday.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London before travelling to Paris, France, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and French businessman Vincent Bolloré.
His extended stay comes as Vice-President Kashim Shettima is in New York to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu had remained in touch with developments in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.
The presidency cited Tinubu’s directive for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among decisions taken during his vacation.
In Paris, Tinubu also held meetings with Macron and Bolloré, whose business interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
The presidency said the meetings covered investment and opportunities in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.
Shettima departed Abuja on Sunday to represent Tinubu at the UNGA, where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
With Shettima now outside the country, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, will represent Tinubu at official functions, according to the presidency.
Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution provides that when the president is unavailable to discharge the functions of his office, he is to transmit a written declaration to the president of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, after which the Vice President performs the functions of President as Acting President.
The Constitution further provides that where the President is unable or fails to transmit the required declaration within 21 days, the National Assembly shall, by a simple majority in each chamber, mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President
Meanwhile, the presidency said political activities had continued during Tinubu’s absence, with the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, leading consultations with traditional rulers across the country.