Presidency Speaks On Tinubu’s Health Status Amidst Alleged Absence From State Functions
The Presidency has dismissed mounting speculation over the health of President Bola Tinubu, following media reports claiming that he was bedridden and being considered for urgent medical evacuation abroad.
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) had quoted unnamed sources alleging that the President had been indisposed for several days, leading to his absence from a number of key state functions.
It was further reported that Vice President Kashim Shettima had represented him at several official engagements in recent days, with some of his scheduled activities either cancelled or postponed to allow his medical team to monitor his condition closely.
However, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the claims as “baseless”, insisting that the President remains in good health.
“People just tell you all kinds of rumours that have no basis at all. He was in his office yesterday, 5th August. I was with him. I went to see him. He came to work,” he told ICIR.
Speaking later to Daily Trust, Onanuga reiterated, “There is nothing wrong with the President, he is okay. He can choose to work from home. He can choose to work from anywhere.”
The ICIR noted that President Tinubu was last seen in public on 1st August at the opening of the Progressive Media Summit, where he addressed young Nigerians in the digital space.
Days earlier, on 29th July, he hosted the victorious Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa after their WAFCON triumph in Morocco. His absence at a similar reception for the D’Tigress on 3rd August, where Vice President Shettima stood in, reportedly triggered fresh questions.
Despite his reduced public appearances, the Presidency has continued to release official statements. On 6th August, Tinubu directed the rollout of free healthcare for low-income retirees and an increase in pensions.
The photograph accompanying this directive, showing him with PenCom Director-General Omolola Oloworaran, was taken days earlier at his private residence. That same day, he issued a condolence message to Ghana over the deaths of senior government officials in a plane crash.
Questions over his absence deepened when last week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting failed to hold. Onanuga clarified that there was no FEC session scheduled for Monday, while the Wednesday meeting had been postponed by the President.
“It’s not an issue. There is no fixed day for FEC. It can be held on Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday,” he said.
When pressed on why Tinubu skipped the D’Tigress reception, Onanuga responded, “Why must he be at all functions? He has a deputy. He can delegate.” On his limited public appearances, he added, “Do you want him to be doing a public parade or something?”
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
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