- By Halimah Olamide
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday changed his initial itinerary announcing he is heading to London after the New Global Financing Pact Summit held in Paris, France.
The Nigerian President, who was earlier billed to return to the country today, has however announced that he will be proceeding to London for a private visit.
According to Dele Alake, his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, the president will be back in Nigeria before the June 28 Eid-il-Kabir festival.
A statement by Alake, which was made available to the NPO Reports on Saturday, said President Bola Tinubu on Friday concluded his official trip to Paris, France, during which he had an outstanding participation in the summit for ‘A New Global Financing Pact’hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Aside his participation at the event where he represented Nigeria well, President Tinubu also held high-profile sideline meetings with fellow heads of state and government, global business leaders and chief executives of leading multilateral and development finance institutions from around the world,” Alake stated
He said the summit afforded the President the opportunity of projecting, on a global stage, his advocacy for widening the fiscal space, economic justice for Africa as the world accelerates the pace of energy transition, and the urgency of addressing the pressing issues of poverty and climate change.
Confirming the detour to London, Alake said, “President Tinubu, who was initially scheduled to be back in Abuja on Saturday, will now proceed to London, United Kingdom, for a short private visit.
“The President will be back in the country in time for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir festival.”
NPO Reported earlier that during his visit to France, he met the Nigerian community during which he shared his vision for the country with the Nigerians in Diaspora.
Tinubu had equally shed lights on some issues in the country including how suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele allegedly messed up the country’s financial system.
“The man is in the hands of authorities, something is being done about that, they will sort themselves out.” Tinubu had told his audience.
Sharing his vision, he told those present, ”
“We have security challenges in the country. Maybe that is how they are fuelling insecurity; we have to look at everything. We won’t change the financial system, it will work for you.’’ NPO Reports that apart from other condemnations of the monetary policies under the Buhari’s administration, the last Naira redesign policy had thrown the entire country into chaos with many Nigerians unable to access their funds at the bank. The policy was said to have been targeted at preventing vote-buying ahead of the general elections. President Tinubu, as the candidate of the ruling party then, had openly challenged the policy and alleged it was aimed at frustrating his campaigns.
Speaking further, Tinubu told his audience, “It is clear to me, I know the road and I have been through what many of you have been through outside the country.
“To all of you our hope is reward. To all of you, the courage is here. And the promise of a better future is a must for us. I am here on a dual carriageway. What to do and or do I respond to the new question of environmental challenges?
“How do I present my case for Nigeria whose dependency of fossil fuel is being challenged?
“I have transportation challenges, electricity challenges, infrastructural challenges just to name a few. And I have a giant elephant (fuel subsidy) in the house. I let it out without bringing the house down. We are focused.’’