Former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has questioned the Presidency’s description of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s trip to Europe as a “working vacation”, sparking fresh public debate about governance and leadership priorities.
Sani, known for his outspoken views on national issues, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval of the term used by the Presidency to describe Tinubu’s trip.
“I understand the word ‘working’. I understand the word ‘vacation’. The sentence ‘working vacation’ is something else,” Sani posted on Thursday.
His comment followed an official announcement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, that Tinubu had departed Abuja on Thursday, September 4, to begin a 10-working-day annual leave in Europe.
According to the statement by Onanuga, President Tinubu will spend his leave between France and the United Kingdom and is expected to return to Nigeria after the 10 working days.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Abuja for a short working vacation in Europe. He will spend the time in France and the United Kingdom,” the statement read.
The statement did not give details about the “working” aspect of the vacation, leaving room for speculation and criticism, particularly from opposition figures and commentators like Sani.
Sani’s sarcastic remark reflects growing concerns among Nigerians about the clarity and purpose of President Tinubu’s foreign trips, especially at a time when the country is facing economic hardship, rising inflation, and insecurity.
Many Nigerians online echoed Sani’s sentiments, questioning whether the President’s absence during critical moments—such as fuel price instability and minimum wage negotiations—was appropriate.
Critics also argue that calling a vacation “working” is an attempt to reduce public scrutiny, even when the President is out of the country on personal time.
“The people want action, not wordplay,” a user on X commented under Sani’s post.
In global political terms, a “working vacation” refers to when a leader is on leave but continues to carry out certain official duties remotely. It’s often used to justify foreign travel during sensitive periods at home.
However, critics in Nigeria see the phrase as ambiguous, especially when no clear work agenda is publicly communicated.
This is not the first time Tinubu’s travels have drawn attention. Since assuming office in May 2023, the President has embarked on several foreign trips—some official, others private—raising questions about transparency and accountability in governance.
Tinubu’s trip to Europe comes amid ongoing national discussions on economic reforms, subsidy removal, insecurity, and worker agitation over minimum wage. While the Presidency insists that the President is always “working,” even while abroad, critics say physical presence and leadership visibility matter, especially during difficult times.
As Nigerians continue to debate the meaning and merit of the “working vacation,” Sani’s comment has once again brought attention to the way government communication is perceived by the public.
