…says Tinubu resumes after Easter break
…NGF visits Plateau, demands end to violence
Amid growing concerns over the whereabouts of President Bola Tinubu, the Presidency on Thursday, said the President “remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance even though he is away in Europe.”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement, said the President’s “absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks”.
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He revealed that 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 however, added that ” his return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday”
Recall that the President who departed Abuja on the 2nd of April to France was expected to stay away for two weeks, according to Onanuga
Some members of the opposition have however, expressed displeasure over the President’s continued absence, especially in the wake of the several killings perpetrated by terrorists in North East and North Central parts of Nigeria, responsible for the death of over 100 persons in the past two weeks.
But Onanuga , in the statement on Thursday, said the ” President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.”
He also stated that governance has proceeded without interruption. “We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption”, he added.
Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Addulrazaq, the Kwara State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Thursday led a delegation of the Forum to commiserate with the Government and people of Plateau over the recent violence in some parts of the State.
While commiserating with the families of the victims in Jos, he also commended the interventions of the security agencies, which prevented further escalations.
Governor Abdulrazaq said: “On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the people of our states, I bring you sincere words of condolences on the unfortunate events in which many of our compatriots have lost their lives.
“We call on leaders and influencers across all communities and sectors in Plateau to join His Excellency in the task of uniting the people and restoring sustainable peace. Leaders, including youth leaders, should come together to speak strongly against violence of any kind. We urge that we resolve our differences through dialogue, fair negotiations, mutual respect, and perspective taking.
“Sustainable development can be a mirage in an atmosphere of tension and violence. Plateau is full of potentials especially in agriculture and tourism. But these potentials could be affected negatively if we allow violence or threats of it to define how people see our communities.
“We commend His Excellency the Governor for his leadership at this critical moment. Our visit is to express our solidarity with His Excellency and the government and good people of Plateau State. We pray to God Almighty to repose the souls of the victims and restore peace to our communities.”
Responding, Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State Governor appreciated them for the concern shown to the State, he said the entire state is mourning due to the devastation of the incidents.
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However, Governor Mutfwang said the attacks won’t stop his administration from ensuring restoration of lasting peace; “this recent happening took us by surprise, but we will not relent”.
He called on the Federal Government to secure the 36 States of Nigeria, stressing that what happened in Plateau State could occur in any part of Nigeria, hence the need to stand against insurgence.
Governors Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State, who is the Chairman of the Forum; Babagana Zulum of Borno State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State were present.
Others were Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Emmanuel Akabe, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State.
