The Presidency has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is “hale and hearty” and has continued to discharge his responsibilities while on a working vacation in Europe.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu was entitled to his annual leave and did not need to be physically present in Abuja to perform his duties, given modern communication technology.

Onanuga said the President had remained engaged with developments at home and continued to work while abroad. He cited Tinubu’s meetings with investors in France, including his presence at the signing of agreements for the development of the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port and Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, with an initial investment value of more than $7 billion.

The Presidency had earlier said Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London before travelling to Paris, where he also met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York has drawn criticism from some opposition figures, while Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the gathering.

Onanuga said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week after the extended working vacation.