From Paris to London with Governance: President Tinubu Defends Remote Leadership from Europe

 

President Tinubu Maintains Leadership from Europe as Violence Rages in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently in London, continuing his stay in Europe where, according to his media aides, he remains deeply involved in overseeing Nigeria’s governance. His absence from the country has sparked debate among citizens and political stakeholders, particularly in light of the recent wave of violent attacks that have swept across several states.

In a statement released on Thursday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu is “fully engaged” in national affairs, despite being physically away from the country. He confirmed that the president moved from Paris to London over the weekend and is maintaining round-the-clock communication with top officials in Nigeria.

“The president left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country,” Onanuga stated.

This assurance, however, comes at a time when Nigeria is facing a disturbing escalation of insecurity. Over the past two weeks, coordinated attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, armed bandits, and unidentified gunmen have claimed the lives of more than 150 people in Borno, Zamfara, and Plateau States. The government’s response and the president’s absence have drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups.

Among the most vocal critics is Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State. On Wednesday, Obi condemned the president’s continued stay abroad, accusing him of abandoning the country during a time of crisis. “Nigeria is on fire, and the president is holidaying in Europe,” Obi lamented, highlighting the plight of citizens in the affected regions.

In one of the most devastating recent attacks, over 50 people were reported killed in Zikke village, located in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. In a prior statement released on Monday, Tinubu condemned the massacre and extended his condolences to the families of the victims, while promising that security forces would intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The presidency has pushed back against insinuations that Tinubu is on vacation, instead portraying his European trip as a continuation of his presidential responsibilities in a different setting. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance even though he is away in Europe,” Onanuga reiterated.

He further noted that the president’s directives continue to guide operations back home, especially in tackling the growing security threats. “The president’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership,” the statement added.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the Easter holidays and resume his physical presence at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Still, for many Nigerians, the optics of their leader governing from abroad during a national crisis is unsettling. With communities in northern and central Nigeria reeling from frequent attacks, demands for a more visible and hands-on approach to leadership are growing louder.

While the presidency insists that the machinery of government remains uninterrupted, critics argue that symbolic leadership and physical presence are equally important in times of distress. For now, Tinubu’s leadership from London remains a focal point of national conversation, raising questions about executive accountability, public trust, and the government’s ability to assure security in troubled times.