President Tinubu’s health status has been revealed amid absence from official duties and FEC meeting postponement.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Presidency has dismissed swirling rumours about the health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following media reports alleging he was bedridden and being considered for urgent medical evacuation abroad.
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) had cited unnamed sources claiming the President had been indisposed for several days, resulting in his absence from multiple key state functions. In recent engagements, Vice President Kashim Shettima has stood in for him.
ALSO: Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Threatens Legal Action Against EFCC Over Raid on Wet & Rave Party
Reports also alleged that several of Tinubu’s public events were abruptly cancelled, with parts of his weekly schedule cleared to allow close medical observation.
Reacting to the claims, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed them as unfounded. “People just tell you all kinds of rumours that have no basis at all. He was in his office yesterday (August 5). I was with him. I went to see him. He came to work,” Onanuga told ICIR. In a separate interview with Daily Trust, he added: “There is nothing wrong with the President. He is okay. He can choose to work from home or anywhere. I tell you, nothing is wrong with him.”
President Tinubu was last publicly seen on August 1 at the Progressive Media Summit, where he urged young Nigerians in the digital space to use their platforms for national progress. Earlier, on July 29, he hosted the victorious Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa after their WAFCON triumph in Morocco, standing for an extended period while announcing cash rewards. However, his absence at the August 3 reception for the D’Tigress, attended by Vice President Shettima, fueled fresh speculation.
The ICIR reported that last week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting was not held, despite earlier statements from Information Minister Mohammed Idris that it would take place on August 6. Onanuga clarified that the meeting was postponed by the President, noting that FEC sessions can be held on any day of the week. In addition, a high-profile meeting with close allies of former President Muhammadu Buhari within the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled for August 5, was quietly cancelled.
Despite missing recent public functions, Tinubu has continued to issue policy directives. On August 6, he ordered the rollout of free healthcare for low-income retirees and an increase in pensions. A photograph with PenCom DG Omolola Oloworaran released that day was reportedly taken earlier at his private residence. That same day, he issued a condolence message to Ghana over the deaths of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and others in a tragic plane crash.
When questioned about the President’s absence at certain events, Onanuga remarked: “Why must he be at all functions? He has a deputy. He can delegate.”
