Many Nigerians have reacted, following the return of President Bola Tinubu to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, after his first participation at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to The Punch, Tinubu’s convoy was spotted, arriving at his official residence within the Aso Rock Villa at around 9:47 PM on Friday.
It would be recalled that the President had attended the 78th session of the UNGA, held in New York, United States, recently.
However, it was speculated in some sections of the media that President Tinubu also visited Paris, France, where he was allegedly observing a short break.
The Nigerian leader who had spent about 33 days outside the country, has so far visited Benin Republic, Kenya, the UK, India, Guinea-Bissau, the United States, United Arab Emirates and Kenya.
While speaking during the UNGA meeting, President Tinubu condemned the spate of military coups in Africa, noting that they are wrong and unreflective of the collective aspirations of Africans.
He further stated that their pervasiveness does not mean Africa’s support for unconstitutional change of government, but “a demand for solutions to perennial problems.”
“We must affirm democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people.
“Military coups are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice,” Tinubu said in his maiden address to his counterparts during the general debate.
He further argued that “the wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups. It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems.”
Speaking about Niger, Tinubu said the Economic Community of West African States is still negotiating with the military leaders.
However, the President is expected to address the nations in a televised broadcast at 7:00 am on Sunday, for the country’s 63rd independent day broadcast.
President Tinubu’s return has however put an end to speculations over the whereabouts of the president following his participation at UNGA.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, had been silent on the location of Tinubu, who departed New York on September 22.
Tinubu’s whereabouts were unknown until he returned to Nigeria on Friday night.
However, some Nigerians have taken to the micro-blogging platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their opinions regarding the president’s return to the country.
Below are some reactions from the people:
@efakwu_j wrote: “Congratulations to drugs baron, please tell Nigeria what you passed through no Niger Air space you are lucky to be safe because we are begging since you have 2 cases in the USA and 1 in Nigeria fakes CSU Certificate & FBI Amanda.”
@endedanodula wrote: “Economic and bilateral where??? Sweet talk, but we can’t be deceived anymore….the people are wiser.
@A_M_B_66 wrote: “Welcome back, Mr. President. While you were away, they said you were lost, some say you were kidnapped, while others say you died. But here you are back, hale & hearty, the haters won’t sleep today.”
@RichardOzili wrote: “Meeting with Biden Audio, meeting with investors Audio. Everything na propaganda.”
@Almondfab wrote: “Oga, he did not meet with anyone. Na anyone sef no gree meets him. Make una no dy lie we know wetin dy happen.”
@userfrancis wrote: “Sneaking in like we didn’t see him being disgraced in the air.“
@PETERCHAMPORT wrote: “However, those bilateral people perpendicularly told their people not to bilateral with the same people they had a meeting with.”
@Akinola_IHIN wrote: “While in New York City, how many days ago? So how about telling us, what happened while he was in France! 😒 I hope, no be say una too don dey collect earnings of corn, cassava & weed?🤨 Cos these things dey make people dance naked in the public these days in Nigeria o🇳🇬. Hmm, um.”