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| Tinubu Governs Nigeria from Abroad: London Office |
President Bola Tinubu left Paris for London over the weekend and remains fully engaged in running Nigeria . His media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu has kept constant communication with security chiefs and ministers . On April 2, Tinubu began a two‑week working trip in France to assess his administration’s midterm performance . He will return to Abuja after the Easter holiday.
Since Tinubu’s stay abroad, gunmen attacks rose in Plateau and Benue states, stirring public worry . Opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, urged him to cut short his trip and address the insecurity . The presidency defended the timing, noting the stay abroad is temporary and within the planned two‑week period .
Experts say remote leadership can work if systems support swift action. Dr. Amina Yusuf, a governance scholar, said clear directives and real‑time data are key to remote rule. She noted Nigeria’s digital networks still lack full reach in rural areas, slowing feedback cycles .
Critics worry that urgent crises need the president’s on‑ground presence. They point to rising fuel prices, school closures during strikes, and stalled budget bills as signs that face‑to‑face leadership matters .
Supporters argue that modern tools link leaders and staff instantly, making physical nearness less vital. They cite Tinubu’s video calls with governors and online briefings by security chiefs as proof of active work .
Nigeria faces multiple tests: curbing bandit attacks, reviving the naira, and boosting power supply. The presidency says Tinubu’s time in Europe includes meetings with investors to market Nigeria’s economy . His aides stress that private talks in London can attract foreign funds faster than public events.
Some analysts see the move as a chance to refine policies. They note Tinubu reviewed the 2025 budget draft in Paris and gave notes for better social spending and security funding . The presidency said his guidance helped shape final allocations to health, education, and defence.
Nigerians on social media are split. Hashtags like #TinubuAtWork trend alongside #BringHimBackNow. Civic groups call for weekly town halls in Abuja via live stream to bridge the gap .
As Tinubu waits out Easter in London, the debate on remote governance continues. Will digital ties suffice, or does Nigeria need its leader at home? Join the talk below.