Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has defended the president’s recent international travels, which have sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. Tinubu, currently on a two-week vacation, departed Abuja on October 2 for the UK as part of his annual leave.

Before his vacation, the president embarked on a state visit to China and attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) from August 29 to September 16, stopping in Dubai and the UK during the trip.

Following reports of Tinubu’s departure to France from the UK after a meeting with Kabir Masari, his senior special assistant on political matters, some Nigerians questioned the frequency of his trips. In response, Onanuga took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that the president is free to travel during his leave.

“President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks. He is not restricted to the UK. It is his private time. He can go anywhere he so desires,” Onanuga stated.