Samuel Omang
President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Tuesday evening, cutting short his scheduled 10-day private leave in Paris and London.
The presidential Airbus A330 touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at exactly 6:50 p.m. local time. Tinubu, 73, had departed Nigeria on September 4 and was expected to remain in Europe until later this week.
Although no official reason was provided for the early return, his arrival coincides with the expiration of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, due to elapse on Thursday. The oil-rich state has been under direct federal control following prolonged political instability.
Tinubu has made 15 foreign trips since assuming office in May 2023, frequently combining official meetings with periods of rest.
The President’s latest trip was initially described as a private leave, though it came amid mounting political and economic challenges at home, including labour unrest and security concerns.
Tinubu’s early return is likely to fuel speculation about the federal government’s next steps regarding the political future of Rivers State and how Abuja intends to manage the fallout from the emergency rule’s expiration.