President Bola Tinubu has dismissed speculation about his health, declaring that he is healthy and ready to resume work after returning to Nigeria from a four-week working vacation in Europe.
Tinubu spoke on Tuesday shortly after arriving in Lagos from Paris, France, where he spent the latter part of his stay abroad. His aircraft, Nigerian Air Force One, landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 6:22pm.
Responding to questions about concerns over his health, the President said: “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.”
Asked about his experience during the trip, Tinubu said simply: “I enjoyed myself.”
He was received at the airport by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; and other government officials and All Progressives Congress leaders.
Supporters had gathered at the airport ahead of his arrival, with APC members, youths and women displaying banners welcoming the President and praising his administration.
Some of the banners read: “Welcome Mr President,” “Thank You for State Police,” “Thank You for Your Bold Reforms,” and “We Thank You for Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Security personnel deployed around the airport cleared the route for the presidential convoy, which left the airport shortly after the President’s arrival.
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for what was initially announced as a three-week working vacation in Europe. He spent about a week in London before travelling to Paris, with the trip subsequently extended by another week.
His prolonged absence generated political debate and speculation on social media, particularly after he did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the gathering.
The Presidency had maintained that Tinubu remained engaged with government business while abroad. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described him as “hale and hearty” and said the President continued to direct affairs of government while on the working vacation.
Tinubu also undertook official engagements during his stay in France. He held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose business interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
Last week, the President witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of a Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside and the establishment of a Blue Marine Economic Zone. The project is expected to attract about $7 billion in investment from DP World.
The President’s return through Lagos was explained by the Presidency as part of plans to participate in activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola.
Tinubu is also expected to hold meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos before returning to Abuja.
