A member of the House of Representatives, Dr Wale Ahmed, has risen stoutly in defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s extended stay abroad, declaring that the President is entitled to his yearly leave.
Ahmed, who represents Agege Federal Constituency of Lagos, said the controversy over Tinubu’s working vacation in Europe is uncalled for and politically motivated.
“The President is entitled to his annual leave. What Nigerians should be concerned about is whether the government is functioning and presidential responsibilities are being discharged,” he said in a statement on Monday.
President Tinubu departed Abuja early this month for a three-week working vacation in Europe, with London as his first port of call, according to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. The trip was later extended.
Vacation With Billion-Dollar Deals
The lawmaker dismissed claims that Tinubu abandoned governance, insisting that the trip has been packed with official and investment engagements.
In Paris, Tinubu met French President Emmanuel Macron and business magnate Vincent Bolloré, whose empire includes Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group, to discuss massive investment opportunities in Nigeria.
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It was during those engagements that the Ogun State Government signed a landmark deal with global logistics giant DP World for the Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, with investments estimated at over $7 billion.
Tinubu also attended a private dinner hosted by Macron at the Élysée Palace to strengthen Nigeria-France bilateral ties.
“Here is a President who, while on vacation, is still engaging investors and international leaders on opportunities that can benefit Nigeria. That is not abandonment of duty,” Ahmed stressed.
President Can Rule From Anywhere
Ahmed argued that presidential duties do not stop because the President is abroad.
“Being outside Nigeria does not mean being outside the government. The President can receive briefings, issue directives and take decisions from anywhere,” he said.
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He also defended Tinubu’s decision to skip the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, noting that Vice President Kashim Shettima was constitutionally empowered to represent him, alongside Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
He cited Tinubu’s directive for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners detained in Niger State as proof that the President remains fully engaged.
The lawmaker advised opposition parties to focus on economy, security and infrastructure, not the President’s location, saying government should be judged by outcomes, not geography.
