Tinubu returns to Europe two weeks before inauguration

Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s declared president-elect, has left the country again over two weeks after returning from a lengthy stay abroad.

Mr Tinubu travelled on Wednesday, his office said.

– Key points to note

A representative for Mr Tinubu, Tunde Rahman, said in a statement on Wednesday that during the visit Mr Tinubu will meet investors and allies to market investment opportunities in Nigeria and his administration’s readiness to enable a business-friendly climate.

The statement said Mr Tinubu has scheduled meetings with actors in Europe’s business community on manufacturing, agriculture, tech and energy.

“Reviving the country’s economy forms a major plank of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and the meeting is part of his efforts to re-establish Nigeria’s importance in the global economic chain and create empowering opportunities for the country’s huge youth population,” it said.

“The country’s economy forms a major plank of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and the meeting is part of his efforts to re-establish Nigeria’s importance in the global economic chain and create empowering opportunities for the country’s huge youth population.”

It said before he left the country, Mr Tinubu met with the House of Representatives candidates for speaker and deputy speaker endorsed by his party, the All Progressives Congress, Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu.

– Why this matters

It is the second time the former Lagos governor is travelling out of the country since he was declared president-elect following the Feb. 25 presidential election.

He returned to Nigeria on 24 April after a four-week vacation in France.

News of the trip has drawn criticism immediately with some Nigerians questioning Mr Tinubu’s standing as president-elect to negotiate on behalf of the country.

Some questioned his fitness for office, suggesting the trip may rather be for medical reason.

“Tinubu does not have the constitutional standing and authority to exercise the functions of the office of President or any executive function whatsoever. He has not taken oath of office and cannot be meeting with investors on behalf of the country. Another season of LIES loading,” Lawyer Iniebehe Effiong tweeted.