President Bola Tinubu’s extended working vacation in Europe has sparked sharp criticism from Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who labelled the president a “failure” and questioned the impact of his remote leadership on Nigerians. Shaibu’s remarks came after Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, defended the president’s prolonged stay abroad by stating he could work from anywhere in the world due to technological advancements. Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30, 2026, for a three-week working vacation that began in London and later extended to Paris, France, with his return initially scheduled for September 29, 2026. However, the presidency confirmed a last-minute change, pushing his return to Tuesday.
Shaibu dismissed Onanuga’s justification, challenging Tinubu to demonstrate tangible benefits from his time in Paris. In a statement, Shaibu urged Onanuga to show the president a flyer highlighting the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. He asked pointedly: “He can work from France, but can he point to one thing his work has made cheaper for Nigerians?” Shaibu emphasized that the location of Tinubu’s work was irrelevant; what mattered was the outcome of his policies. He noted that when Tinubu was physically present in Nigeria, his administration implemented measures that drove up the cost of food, fuel, and transport—burdens that continue to affect ordinary citizens.
Shaibu accused Tinubu of being disconnected from the realities of Nigerian life, stating that his absence in France had not alleviated any of the economic pain caused by his governance. “Staying back in France has not reduced that burden,” he said. He further claimed that Tinubu is aware of his failures, as are his family members, including his wife and son. “Your boss is a failure, he knows he is a failure,” Shaibu asserted. He added that Nigerians were not eagerly awaiting Tinubu’s return, likening the situation to children waiting for a father to bring home kulikuli—a popular Nigerian snack. Instead, they needed relief, which Tinubu had failed to deliver.
Shaibu concluded by urging Onanuga to inform Tinubu that Nigerians no longer expect him to return to power. “He has had his chance. The best thing he can do for the country now is leave the stage,” he stated. He expressed confidence that Atiku Abubakar would restore affordability and stability if given the opportunity. As the debate over presidential accountability intensifies, the question remains whether remote leadership can effectively address Nigeria’s deepening economic challenges.
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