President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe, declaring that he is healthy, sound and ready to resume work.
Tinubu spoke on Tuesday evening shortly after arriving at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, from Paris, France, where he spent the latter part of his extended working vacation.
Asked about his stay in Europe, the President said he enjoyed himself.
“I enjoyed myself. Fantastic,” Tinubu said.
The President was also asked about concerns and rumours surrounding his health during his extended stay abroad.
Dismissing the concerns, Tinubu said he was in good health and prepared to return fully to his official duties.
“Ready to kick, ready to work, there’s nothing wrong,” he said.
He added: “Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the fact remains, I’m here. Healthy, sound and ready to go.”
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency initially described as a three-week working vacation, travelling first to London before proceeding to Paris. The Presidency later announced that his stay had been extended by a few days.
During his time in France, Tinubu held engagements including a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and meetings with business leaders. He also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for a proposed deep seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone.
His prolonged absence generated political debate, particularly over his failure to personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria.
The Presidency maintained that Tinubu remained in touch with developments at home and continued to direct government affairs while away.
The President arrived in Lagos at about 6:22 p.m. aboard Nigerian Air Force One and was received by senior government officials and political leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
Tinubu is expected to participate in activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and hold meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos before returning to Abuja.
