President Bola Tinubu on Saturday evening returned to Abuja after a two-week working vacation in the United Kingdom (UK).
The president, who arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 7:15 was received on arrival by top government officials, including Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and ministers, including Wale Edun (Finance) and Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning).
Others on hand to welcome President Tinubu are: Nuhu Ribadu (National Security Adviser) and Abdullahi Ganduhe (National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress)
The President had departed Abuja for the two-week working vacation on Wednesday, October 2, as part of his annual leave, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The release stated: “He will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms. He will return to the country after the leave expires.”
The president had in the course of his leave left the UK for Paris, France, for an important engagement, according to his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari.
Relatedly, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, says his principal is well-rested following his annual leave, asking Nigerians to expect better days.
Gbajabiamila, who was among top government dignitaries who welcomed Tinubu on his arrival on Saturday, said his principal is poised to “continue the good works” for Nigerians.
“The kind of work he’s been doing in the last year and a half requires some rest. He’s gone back now and he’s well arrested, rejuvenated. Again, it was even just a working holiday anyway. So, he was working and resting at the same time. Now that he’s back in Nigeria, all hands are back on deck and he’s ready to go,” Gbajabiamila said at the airport after welcoming Tinubu back to the country.
When asked what Nigerians should expect, he said: “Just to continue from where he left off in terms of putting policies in place and making sure things are done right; making sure we are going in the right direction.
“He’s the captain of the plane and he’s working to get to a cruising level, which is exactly where we’re going. In a matter of time, Nigerians will begin to see the fruits of his labour and our labour. And so, I mean, just let’s be we all expect expectant and hopeful and we live in Renewed hope, and Mr President is back in Nigeria to continue the good work he’s doing.”
Tinubu’s absence in the country had created discontent among some Nigerians. Vice President Kashim Shettima’s departure on a two-day working visit to Sweden further fueled concerns over the leadership of the country.
But the presidency defended their absence from Nigeria and argued that there was no leadership vacuum in the country.
