For days now, Nigerians have been like a sheep without a shepherd.
The sudden disappearance of the country’s president, Bola Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima, at a time when Nigerians are going through so much hardship left many in total confusion.
One question has been on the lips of virtually every Nigerian, where is Tinubu?
This question flooded the social media for days and to make matters worse, the presidency went completely silent leaving Nigerians with more suspicion.
Speculation started spreading as Nigerians struggled to get an understanding of the whole situation.
Bloggers saw an opportunity to cash out while opposition took the chance to throw yabs at the government.
A Trip To Europe
Now, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has confirmed that the Nigerian leader is currently in Europe.
Onanuga also confirmed in a post on Tuesday that President Tinubu will return to Nigeria on Wednesday, 8 May.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with his aides, will return to Nigeria tomorrow from Europe,”Onanuga wrote on his X handle.
The clarification from the presidential media aide became necessary following several concerns raised by Nigerians about the whereabouts of President Tinubu.
Indeed, Tinubu attended the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, which took place from April 28-29.
Where Is Tinubu?
After the event, President Bola Tinubu departed Saudi Arabia and was expected to return to Nigeria but that didn’t occur, sparking various reactions regarding his whereabouts.
It was reported that after departing Riyadh, President Tinubu traveled to London, England.
The President’s journey to London was unexpected.
This is because his media adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, had not mentioned a planned visit to the UK in his previous statement.
It was said that Tinubu left Riyadh International Airport at 12:05 am (02:05 am Saudi Arabian time) and arrived at Stansted Airport, London, at 06:35 am UK time.
The presidential aircraft, a Gulfstream Aerospace GV-SP (G550) with registration number 5N-FGW, was used for the 6-hour 30-minute trip.
Special Treatment
A senior Nigerian Air Force officer clarified that the aircraft was operated as “Nigerian Air Force 1” during the trip, indicating that the President was on board.
The officer explained that any Nigerian Air Force jet carrying the President is referred to as “Nigerian Air Force 1”.
Also Read: Where Is Tinubu? Nigerians Ask As President Fails To Return Six Days After Saudi Visit
This is to ensure special treatment and avoid confusion with other planes in the area.
This protocol is a standard practice for presidential travels, and it highlights the importance of the President’s safety and security.
Though the presidency did not deny or confirm Tinubu’s purported trip to London, Onanuga has now confirmed that the President and his aides are expected back in Nigeria on Wednesday.
