By Joke Kujenya
PRESIDENT BOLA Tinubu will leave Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, on Monday, August 19, for a trip to France.
A brief statement from his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, did not provide any details on the purpose of the visit or the expected date of the president’s return.
“President Bola Tinubu will embark on a trip to France on Monday, August 19,” Ngelale announced, adding that the President would return after a short work-related stay.
However, the timing of Tinubu’s trip has raised questions, as it follows closely on the heels of a French court’s recent seizure of three jets owned by the Nigerian government.
The aircraft were taken in connection with a longstanding legal dispute involving a 2007 contract between the Chinese firm Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment and Ogun State, which aimed to develop a free-trade zone in the southwest of Nigeria.
Moreover, Nigerian authorities have sharply criticized the seizure, accusing Zhongshan of attempting to defraud the government.
It remains unclear whether Tinubu’s visit to France is related to the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the seized jets.
Additionally, the president’s frequent trips to France for health-related reasons have led to speculation, although no confirmation has been given regarding the purpose of this visit.
Whatever be the reason or reseans for his visit, let him just give us fuel before taking off. The fuel wahala is becoming unbearable