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Tinubu, Shettima’s frequent foreign trips raise eyebrows
In their 17 months in office, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima undertook 41 trips across 26 countries, collectively spending 180 days or six months on foreign engagements, according to Sunday PUNCH.
Analysis shows that Tinubu, with the longer mileage, has logged 124 days abroad, visiting 16 countries on 29 trips. He has also accumulated over 127 flight hours.
So far, the President has visited Malabo, Equatorial Guinea; London, the United Kingdom (four times); Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (twice); Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Norvo, Benin Republic; The Hague, Netherlands; Pretoria, South Africa; Accra, Ghana; New Delhi, India; Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; New York, the United States of America; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (twice); Berlin, Germany; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dakar, Senegal and Doha, Qatar.
Meanwhile, Shettima has spent 56 days abroad, visiting 10 countries on 12 unique and recurrent trips. He has also accumulated over 93 flight hours.
Shettima has so far visited Rome, Italy; St. Petersburg, Russia; Johannesburg, South Africa; Havana, Cuba; Beijing, China; Iowa and New York in the United States of America; Davos, Switzerland; Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast (twice); Nairobi, Kenya and Stockholm, Sweden.
Tinubu’s trips
On June 20, 2023, three weeks after assuming office, Tinubu opened his foreign schedule in Paris, the French capital, the city he last visited as President-elect. The Nigerian leader participated in the Paris Summit for the New Global Financial Pact during his four-day stay.
On Saturday, June 24, Tinubu departed Paris for London, the United Kingdom, for private talks with his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, spending three days.
From July 8 to 10, he was in Guinea-Bissau to attend the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, where he emerged as chairman of the regional bloc.
In his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS authority, Tinubu was in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 15 – 17 for the fifth mid-year coordination meeting of the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities, the Regional Mechanisms, and the African Union Member States.
The President began his foreign ceremonial engagements in the neighbouring Republic of Benin on August 1, 2023, when he attended the country’s 63rd independence anniversary. The visit was to honour an invitation from his Beninoise counterpart, Patrice Talon.
Afterwards, he remained in Nigeria for over a month to organise his cabinet of ministers nominated to the Federal Executive Council.
On September 5, he resumed foreign travels in New Delhi, India, where he attended the G-20 Leaders’ Summit from September 10 to 11, at the request of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Upon leaving India, where he spent a week, the President made a “technical stopover” in Abu Dhabi, the Emirati capital, where he met UAE Leader Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Later that month, the President spent nine days with world leaders in New York, USA, at the 78th United Nations General Assembly, which began on September 19. (His first UNGA as President).
Afterwards, he proceeded to Paris, France, where he remained for five days. He arrived in Abuja on September 29 ahead of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day anniversary on October 1.
The President did not leave the country in October until November 9, 2023, when he arrived in Saudi Arabia to attend the Saudi-Africa Summit in Riyadh the next day.
He departed Saudi Arabia on November 16 for his second ceremonial function, the 50th independence anniversary of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
On November 18, he embarked on his third trip to Europe, where he attended the G20 Compact with Africa Conference hosted by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. The conference was held on November 20, after which Tinubu returned to Abuja six days later.
A week after returning from Germany, he departed for Dubai, the UAE, to attend the COP28 Climate Summit and returned on December 5.
He resumed travels on January 24, 2024, to Paris, where he spent 14 days on a private visit. He returned on February 6.
On February 15, the President proceeded to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he spent four days participating in the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government.
Doha, the Qatari capital, followed. Tinubu was in the Middle Eastern country from February 29 to March 4 for an official visit. On April 2, he joined other African leaders in Dakar, the Senegalese Capital, to inaugurate the country’s new and youngest President, Basirou Faye.
From April 23 – 26, Tinubu was in the Netherlands for a state visit. Afterwards, he proceeded to Riyadh, the Saudi capital, to participate in the 2024 Special World Economic Forum on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development from April 26 to 28.
He proceeded to London on April 29, where he spent nine days before returning on May 8, after speculations on his whereabouts grew rife. On May 23, the President was in N’Djamena, the Republic of Chad, to attend the inauguration of President Idriss Déby Itno.
From June 18 to 20, Tinubu visited Pretoria, South Africa, where he attended President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration and held bilateral talks afterwards.
He also spent three days, July 19 – 22, attending the 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in Accra, Ghana. The President was also in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, for a three-day official visit from August 14-17.
Tinubu embarked on his maiden flight on his newly acquired Airbus A330 luxury jet to Paris, France, the next day. He returned after four days to swear in the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The Nigerian leader resumed the junket on August 29 in Beijing, China, where he held bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. Afterward, he attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Tinubu departed China for the UK, where he spent seven days, and returned on September 14.
On October 2, a day after attending the 64th Independence Day anniversary, Tinubu departed Abuja for the UK again for a two-week working leave. He spent nine days there and proceeded to Paris, France, for an “important engagement,” his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, said.
Shettima’s visits
Meanwhile, Shettima was in Rome, Italy, from July 23 to July 26, 2023, to represent Tinubu at the first Stocktaking Moment Summit, themed, ‘Transforming food systems for people, planet, and prosperity’.
From Rome, the VP proceeded to St. Petersburg, Russia, for the Russia-Africa Summit held from July 26 – 29. He also participated in bilateral meetings with representatives of relevant Russian senior government officials and business leaders to discuss relations between Russia and Nigeria.
On August 21, Shettima arrived in South Africa to represent Tinubu at the 15th BRICS Summit of Heads of State and Government at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, scheduled from August 22 to 24.
He was also in Havana, the Cuban capital, from September 11 to 18 for the G77+China Leaders’ Summit.
Shettima spent his longest streak of 20 days outside the country from October 15 to November 3, at the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative Forum in Beijing, China, held from October 16 to 18.
On October 22, he arrived in the US to participate in the AfDB World Food Prize-facilitated Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, which commenced two days later in Iowa.
From January 14 – 18, Shettima attended the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. On February 7, 10 and 11, he led the Nigerian delegation to Yamousoukro, Ivory Coast, to support the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He appeared in the semi-final match against South Africa and the final game against the host, Ivory Coast.
The VP was initially scheduled to represent Tinubu at the US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas, but he returned midflight due to a technical fault with his aircraft. He then delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, where he spent six days. From October 17 to 19, Shettima also visited Stockholm, Sweden for bilateral talks.
The Swedish trip meant Tinubu and Shettima were out of the country simultaneously, a development that drew backlash from Nigerians.
It is the second time both officers have been concurrently absent from the country since assuming office 17 months ago.
Between late April and early May 2024, while Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, Shettima left Nigeria, first to Kenya. Afterwards, he left for Dallas, Texas, but cancelled his trip upon the advice of the Presidential Air Fleet.
Criticisms trail travels
The Labour Party presidential candidate during the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, faulted the recent foreign trips, saying they came at a time when the country was grappling with domestic challenges.
Obi maintained that it was disturbing that Tinubu and his deputy were not in the country at a time when citizens needed them the most.
He wrote, “While it is arguable that with the President and Vice President absent from the Villa, there is no vacancy in the Presidency, in a situation where both the President and Vice President are out of the country, as reported in the media yesterday, it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.”
Obi questioned why the President, reportedly in Paris, about 833 nautical miles from Stockholm, did not attend the bilateral talks.
“He could simply have done it on his way back from France with his new powerful jet, which would have taken him a little over 2 hours.
“This would have saved time and the very scarce national resources we need critically at this time.
“Instead, he delegated the Vice President, who needed to travel 3055 nautical miles, over nine hours, and (about four times the travel time from Paris) Abuja, Nigeria, to Stockholm, Sweden, to represent him at the event,” Obi added.
Justifying the recent trips, the Presidency said Tinubu and Shettima’s absence does not pose a vacuum in Nigeria’s leadership.
It said the two principal officers are “fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while away.”
Obi also faulted the President for allegedly extending his 14-day leave.
However, a government official knowledgeable about presidential movements told our correspondent that Tinubu was expected back around the weekend.
The source said, “If you were to calculate the two weeks from October 2, he should be returning on Wednesday, October 16.
“But you only count the working days. Meaning that weekends are out of it. So, he’s supposed to spend 14 working days, which will end by early next week.”
Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Abuja-based Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Auwal Rafsanjani, said that though foreign trips are part of governance, leaders must only pursue engagements that fetch Nigerians the highest returns.
Rafsanjani said, “I think it is essential that public officials understand that the country does not have the resources to embark on travels without significant economic value to the nation.
“While we cannot ask public officers to stop travelling altogether, they should minimise careless and reckless expenses when embarking on some of these trips.”
The Executive Chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, said such engagements were necessary to cement Nigeria’s place in the comity of nations.
He said, “I believe they needed to do some of these travels, especially that of the G-20 in India and the BRICS summit in South Africa.”
Onanuga said the foreign engagements were the administration’s lifeline to sell Nigeria’s vision to the rest of the world.
He said, “Those who say those trips are unnecessary need to check what benefits were brought back. For instance, agreements were signed in Dubai on Siemens’ involvement in Nigeria’s power industry.”
The presidential aide declared that Nigerians would see the economic benefit of the engagements in no distant time. (Sunday PUNCH)
News
Power Belongs To Allah, He Can Take It From Me And Give Another Person, Tinubu Says During Mecca Visit
President Bola Tinubu has said that political power belongs to Allah, who has the authority to give it to anyone and take it away, declaring that those entrusted with leadership must exercise it in accordance with God’s dictates.
Tinubu made the remarks while reflecting on his recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, where he was granted access to enter and pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
The President said his emergence as Nigeria’s leader was an extraordinary blessing from Allah, adding that he recognised that his position as President and Commander-in-Chief was not something he could claim to have attained solely through human effort.
Speaking about his understanding of divine authority, Tinubu said Allah was the ultimate giver and taker of power and that anyone who received such a privilege must use it responsibly.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person. I am the only One who has that authority,” Tinubu said.
He described his emergence as President as a special favour from God, given the large number of people in the country.
“Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.
The President also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the Ka’abah, describing the experience as historic.
He said the green-white-green colours on the fencing around the Ka’abah reminded him of Nigeria’s national identity.
“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” he said.
“I thank the Crown Prince and all the administrators of the holy land. I thank them for the hospitality and recognition given to me as the leader of the delegation and the country.
“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome them with faith in God Almighty. I’m grateful forever. I thank the King and the royal Crown Prince.”
Tinubu was accompanied on the pilgrimage by several members of his cabinet, governors and business leaders.
Those in the delegation included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Business leaders accompanying him included BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Isiaka Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu.
The President’s remarks come amid his administration’s continued efforts to defend its policies and record in office.
…Highlights civic engagement, women’s empowerment, financial transparency and democratic development
OK Movement USA has reaffirmed its organisational independence and clarified its relationship with the broader OK Movement in Nigeria, stressing that cooperation between the two organisations does not automatically imply common financial control, candidate authorisation or a direct political-party relationship.
The organisation made this clarification in a press statement issued in Washington, D.C., on November 1, 2026, in which it outlined its identity, operational structure and commitment to democratic development, civic participation, good governance and community development.
According to the statement, OK Movement USA is a registered nonprofit organisation in the United States established to promote civic engagement, democratic values, responsible public participation and the welfare of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
The organisation explained that it operates with its own leadership, governance structure, operational responsibilities and institutional objectives.
It stressed that although it shares aspirations for a better Nigeria with the broader movement in the country, its organisational identity and responsibilities remain distinct.
Recognition of OK Movement Nigeria’s Grassroots Network
OK Movement USA acknowledged the grassroots organisational efforts of OK Movement Nigeria, noting that its network of coordinators, zonal leaders, state women leaders, volunteers and community representatives extends across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The statement also highlighted the movement’s presence at the local government, ward and polling-unit levels, describing the structures as a valuable platform for promoting civic education, public enlightenment and constructive democratic engagement.
The US-based organisation said cooperation between the two structures could support initiatives aimed at strengthening public participation and raising awareness of democratic responsibilities across Nigeria.
However, it maintained that such cooperation should not be interpreted as establishing common financial control or automatically authorising either organisation to act on behalf of the other.
Addresses National Political Developments
The organisation also acknowledged the growing national conversation surrounding former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the wider aspirations of Nigerians seeking responsible leadership and democratic progress.
It said its engagement with these national aspirations was informed by its commitment to democratic values, accountable leadership, public transparency, economic opportunity and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The statement did not establish any formal endorsement of a political candidate or party.
OK Movement USA further emphasised that its activities and financial decisions are governed by internal procedures and applicable legal requirements.
It said the organisation remained committed to lawful cooperation with grassroots structures in Nigeria on initiatives promoting good governance, civic awareness and responsible democratic participation.
Identifies Civic Education, Accountability as Priorities
Outlining its areas of focus, OK Movement USA said it would continue to promote awareness of democratic rights, civic responsibilities and electoral processes.
It also identified informed public dialogue, government accountability, lawful voter sensitisation, transparency and peaceful participation as important components of its work.
According to the statement, the organisation intends to support initiatives that strengthen public confidence in democratic processes and encourage citizens to participate responsibly in national development.
It added that its activities would be implemented in accordance with applicable laws, regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
Prioritises Women’s Empowerment, Youth Development
The organisation identified women’s empowerment, youth development, healthcare awareness, education and support for vulnerable communities among its principal areas of interest.
It said its ongoing Women Affairs Podcast Series was designed to amplify women’s voices and provide a platform for discussions involving professionals, community leaders and Nigerians in the diaspora.
The programme focuses on issues including healthcare, girl-child education, women’s empowerment, civic awareness and national development.
OK Movement USA also expressed its intention to encourage support for women-focused initiatives across Nigeria, including healthcare interventions, educational opportunities, community empowerment and good governance.
The organisation said it would provide lawful educational, organisational and logistical support for approved civic initiatives while building stronger connections between Nigerians abroad and communities at home.
Pledges Financial Transparency, Legal Compliance
On funding and financial management, OK Movement USA said it recognised the importance of responsible fundraising, transparency, proper documentation and compliance with applicable laws in the jurisdictions where it operates.
It explained that funds independently raised by the organisation were intended to support duly authorised and legally permissible initiatives, including civic education, community engagement, women’s empowerment, public enlightenment and other approved development programmes.
The organisation pledged to maintain appropriate financial oversight, responsible disbursement procedures, accurate recordkeeping and accountability to supporters and relevant regulatory authorities.
It further stated that cross-border financial support and operational collaboration would be subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
The statement specifically highlighted the need to distinguish lawful civic initiatives from regulated political campaign financing.
Calls for Greater Diaspora Participation in Nigeria’s Development
OK Movement USA called on Nigerians in the diaspora to play a more active role in addressing the country’s challenges and supporting sustainable development.
It noted that Nigerians living abroad possess professional expertise, knowledge, financial resources and experience that could contribute positively to national development.
The organisation said diaspora communities should go beyond observing developments in Nigeria from a distance and become responsible participants in efforts to promote meaningful progress.
It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening civic consciousness, building bridges between Nigerians at home and abroad, encouraging responsible public participation and supporting initiatives centred on citizens’ welfare.
According to the statement, meaningful change requires informed citizenship, institutional accountability, constructive cooperation and a shared commitment to building a better society.
The statement was signed by Patrick Esoro, Coordinator of OK Movement USA, and Victor Ben Onyeka, Director of Media and Communications.
The organisation provided its website as www.okmovementusa.org and listed secretariat@okmovementusa.org as its official email address.
By Tony Edike
The Association of Former Legislators of the Enugu State House of Assembly (AELESHA) has endorsed Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for a second term in office, citing his administration’s infrastructure development, governance reforms and commitment to economic growth.
The former lawmakers also adopted all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections, urging the people of Enugu State to support the party at all levels.
The resolutions were contained in a communique issued after the association’s strategic engagement and special meeting held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at La Nueva Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu.
The meeting brought together former legislators from the third, fourth and fifth sessions of the Enugu State House of Assembly for discussions on governance, development and the political future of the state.
In the communique, AELESHA said it had closely monitored developments in Enugu State since Mbah assumed office in 2023, commending the governor for what it described as significant achievements backed by verifiable projects, policies and strategic leadership.
The association highlighted the rehabilitation of legacy assets, including the International Conference Centre, Hotel Presidential, Nigergas, United Palm Produce Limited and Enugu Vegetable Oil Products Limited.
It also cited the construction of 260 smart schools, primary healthcare centres, the Enugu International Hospital, modern bus terminals and the development of Enugu Air as evidence of the administration’s commitment to transforming the state.
Other projects identified by the former lawmakers include the establishment of a Haier manufacturing factory through a reported $20 million foreign direct investment, the construction of rural and urban roads, improvements in the state’s security architecture and the development of the New Enugu City.
On security, the association commended the establishment of a Command and Control Centre, supported by CCTV cameras, police patrol vehicles and modern security equipment, describing the measures as important steps towards strengthening security across the state.
AELESHA further noted that the administration’s development initiatives, driven by its Tomorrow Is Here mantra, had contributed to the state’s progress in human development.
Adopts Mbah as Sole Governorship Candidate
Reaffirming its support for continuity in governance, the association declared Mbah its sole governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
It also called on residents of Enugu State to vote for APC candidates across all elective positions, maintaining that a continuation of the current administration would sustain the state’s development agenda.
The former legislators disclosed that they had compiled a document titled Governor Mbah’s Impressive Scorecard, which they described as a working document detailing the administration’s achievements across various sectors over the past three years.
According to the communique, the document captures what the association described as approximately 10,000 milestones and achievements recorded by the administration.
The group also expressed its intention to seek an audience with the governor to formally present the document through a delegation of former lawmakers.
Commends Appointments, Seeks Greater Inclusion
The association commended Mbah for appointing some of its members to public offices, describing the appointments as recognition of the experience and contributions of former legislators to governance.
It specifically mentioned Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, the governor’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Chinedu Nwamba, who, according to the communique, was appointed to the board of the Nigeria Integrated Projects and Zones Authority (NIPZA).
AELESHA requested that the governor consider more former lawmakers for appointments, arguing that their inclusion would promote human empowerment, development and broader citizen participation in governance.
The association also praised Nnajiofor for his efforts to maintain cordial relations between the executive and legislative arms of government.
It described his regular strategic engagements with serving and former lawmakers as commendable and result-oriented.
Applauds Review of Tricycle Charges
The former legislators also commended the governor for the recent review of tax charges and ticketing fares for tricycle operators, as well as the extension of their permitted operating hours to 10 p.m.
The association described the measures as people-oriented policies that would ease the burden on operators and improve their working conditions.
Seeks Representation on APC Campaign Council
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, AELESHA requested representation on the forthcoming Enugu State APC Campaign Council.
The association said some of its members were willing to serve, citing their years of legislative experience, leadership capacity and knowledge of political mobilisation.
It also urged political leaders and candidates across the state to shun violence and embrace peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former lawmakers stressed the importance of maintaining peace, political tolerance and responsible conduct throughout the electioneering period.
The communique was issued following the association’s strategic engagement, hosted by Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Legislative Matters.
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