‎By Hosea Parah
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‎Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Paris, France.
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‎Daily NewsCraft reports that Tinubu was originally scheduled to return to Nigeria around September 20 or 21, 2026, marking the end of his initial three-week (21-day) annual leave that began on August 30, 2026.
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‎According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu, who had remained engaged with government affairs despite his absence from the country, is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend.
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‎During his stay in Paris, the President held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose business interests include media and entertainment assets such as Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
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‎According to the Presidency, Tinubu has continued to monitor developments in Nigeria and issue directives while on vacation.
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‎It cited his decision to establish an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
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‎“Since he began the vacation, President Tinubu has continued to keep in touch with home, directing the affairs of the nation, like ordering an independent panel to investigate the death of 37 illegal miners in Minna, Niger state , following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among other things,” Onanuga said.
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‎During Tinubu’s absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented him at several  national and international official engagements.
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‎Shettima, departed Abuja on September 20 for New York, where he is representing Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
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‎The Vice President is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the global gathering.
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‎With both the President and Vice President outside Nigeria, the Presidency said Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would continue to represent Tinubu at official
‎The Presidency also defended Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UN General Assembly in person.
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‎It dismissed criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm over the President’s absence, describing their comments as irresponsible.
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‎The Presidency particularly criticised what it called an “irresponsible” insinuation regarding Tinubu’s non-attendance at the UNGA.
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‎The issue has added a political dimension to the President’s extended stay abroad, particularly as Nigeria’s Vice President represents the country at one of the most prominent annual diplomatic gatherings. The Vice President is attending the UNGA for the third times since inauguration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu government in May 2023.
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‎The Presidency also disclosed that political consultations have continued in Tinubu’s absence.
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‎It said Senator Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, had been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers alongside other party leaders.
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‎The development comes as political activity begins to intensify ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections come January 2027..
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‎The Presidency said Tinubu’s working vacation, which began on August 30, had been extended by several days, with the President expected back in Nigeria at the weekend.