Tinubu Returns from European Holiday Amidst Growing Concerns
President Bola Tinubu landed in Lagos from Paris on Tuesday evening after a month-long holiday in Europe, expressing that he had a fantastic time. Addressing concerns about his health, he assured Nigerians, “Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong,” stating that he was healthy and prepared to work.
However, amidst this enjoyment, many Nigerians are questioning what his absence has cost the country. For the duration of his holiday, the FAO and WFP estimated that around 34.8 million Nigerians faced crisis-level food insecurity. Back home, public debt has risen to approximately N716,822 per citizen, an increase of 87% in three years.
While Tinubu attended the UN General Assembly to advocate for affordable financing, the country’s external reserves hit an 18-year high of $54.69 billion. Inflation eased to 15.39% in August, and the stock market reached a record capitalisation of N163.06 trillion shortly after.
On the security front, from September 5 to 11, there were 22 incidents of banditry, five terrorism incidents, 27 kidnappings, and 50 homicides. Tragically, 37 illegal miners died in Minna while detained, prompting Tinubu to order an independent inquiry.
In Borno State, efforts continue to locate 78 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa and Lassa, despite troops rescuing 66 victims and eliminating 12 terrorists during Tinubu’s month away.
A significant point of interest was Tinubu’s last-minute absence from the UN General Assembly, where Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered Nigeria’s statement for the third year running. While Shettima’s speech was commendable, it paled in comparison to the address given by Kenyan President William Ruto.
Nigerians might feel that while Kenya offered solutions at the Assembly, Nigeria appeared more focused on seeking financial assistance. Ruto asserted, “Africa does not come to plead. We come to propose,” positioning himself confidently as a leader at the forefront of global discourse.
The most notable moment of Tinubu’s trip was his dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron on September 17, where they sported matching spotted ties. Their relationship has flourished since Tinubu’s first international engagement at Macron’s Summit in June.
Despite numerous visits to Paris, with at least 13 trips and over two months spent there, concerns remain about the implications of this close friendship, especially when Nigerian Niger junta leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani accused him of collaborating with France to destabilise his regime.
As Tinubu returns to Nigeria, questions linger regarding the long-term effects of his overseas engagements and what lies ahead for his administration.
