By Emmanuel Daniji

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed reports and speculation about his health, declaring that he is “healthy, sound, and ready to go” after returning to Nigeria from his extended stay in Europe.

Tinubu spoke to journalists on Tuesday evening shortly after arriving in Lagos from Paris, France, where he spent the latter part of his four-week working vacation.

Asked about concerns raised by some Nigerians and his supporters about his health during his absence, the President said there was nothing wrong with him.

“Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong,” Tinubu said.

He added: “Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go.”

Tinubu had left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency initially described as a three-week working vacation. He travelled first to London before proceeding to Paris, where he had a number of official and private engagements.

The Presidency later announced an extension of his stay, with Tinubu eventually returning to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29.

His aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 6:22pm.

The President’s prolonged absence had generated public discussion, particularly after concerns about his health circulated online and he did not personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the gathering.

The Presidency had maintained throughout the period that Tinubu remained in touch with developments in Nigeria and continued to discharge his responsibilities while away.

Upon his return, Tinubu’s first public comments directly addressed the health concerns, with the President insisting that he was fit and ready to resume his activities.

According to the State House, Tinubu returned through Lagos partly to honour the memory of the late MKO Abiola. He is expected to participate in Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary activities, including the October 1 premiere of a film honouring Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Lagos.

The Presidency also said Tinubu would hold strategic meetings in Lagos before eventually returning to Abuja.