President Bola Tinubu remains actively involved in the governance of Nigeria despite currently being abroad in Europe, the Presidency has stated, as criticisms of his continued absence from the country in the midst of insecurity continues to mount.

In a statement issued on Thursday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the President’s absence is temporary and aligns with the initially communicated two-week timeframe. Onanuga disclosed that Tinubu travelled from Paris to London over the weekend and has maintained regular communication with key government officials, including directing security agencies to respond to emerging threats across the country.

He noted that the President is expected to return to Abuja and resume duties at Aso Villa after the Easter holiday.

“The President’s commitment to his responsibilities is unwavering, and governance continues to run efficiently under his leadership,” the statement read. “We appreciate the public’s concern and reassure all Nigerians that governance is proceeding without interruption.”

However, the President’s continued absence amid worsening insecurity has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, Obi urged President Tinubu to return immediately in light of escalating violence across several states.

“Mr President, domestic problems beckon,” Obi wrote. “I am compelled, at this critical time in our nation’s life, to call on our retreating President to address the growing security challenges at home. He must suspend his overseas retreat and take charge.”

Obi decried the killings of over 150 people in Plateau and Zamfara states within two weeks, adding that recent pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta further demonstrate the nation’s fragility.

“In the two weeks you’ve been away, over 150 Nigerians have died due to insecurity, particularly in Plateau and Zamfara,” Obi said. “The government’s primary duty is the protection of life and property. One wonders what kind of retreat is taking place in a country that enjoys peace while ours bleeds.”

He likened Tinubu to a retreating CEO detached from the realities at the headquarters of a failing enterprise and urged him to return and take full responsibility.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), echoed Obi’s concerns. Atiku questioned Tinubu’s prolonged stay in Europe, pointing out that the President has now spent a cumulative 59 days in France since taking office.

“See Paris and die? No—see Paris and abandon your country,” said Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe. “While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in a land where good governance thrives, Nigeria descends into chaos. Plateau has become a killing field, Benue is bleeding, Boko Haram is resurging, and Nigerians are sinking further into poverty and despair.”

He described the President’s conduct as “dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale”, insisting that a patriotic leader should not need to be prompted to return during a national crisis.

President Tinubu departed Nigeria for Paris on 2 April for what the Presidency described as a short working visit. During the trip, he is expected to review his administration’s mid-term performance, assess ongoing reforms, and engage in strategic planning ahead of his second anniversary in office.