Former Presidential spokesperson Doyin Okupe has come to President Bola Tinubu’s defense, stating that the President’s two-week trip to the United Kingdom is necessary to avoid political interference in the upcoming cabinet reshuffle.
Okupe expressed this view in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, addressing criticisms of the President’s vacation abroad.
Okupe emphasized that Presidents often take time to reflect and review their administration’s progress, especially during national crises.
He believes Tinubu’s trip is an opportunity for the President to “willfully separate himself from officials, friends, and associates” and chart a new course for his administration. He believes that by distancing himself from potential influencers, Tinubu aims to make unbiased decisions about his cabinet.
As Okupe noted, “Staying anywhere in Nigeria definitely will not afford him such a peaceful and serene atmosphere to achieve his objective.” He’s confident that the President’s return will bring “good tidings” and much-needed relief to Nigerians.
President Tinubu departed Abuja on October 2 for a two-week working vacation and retreat, focusing on his administration’s economic reforms. This marks his first leave since taking office in May 2023, despite several foreign trips in between.
The president’s trip has caused various reactions among Nigerians with some criticizing his decision to vacation abroad with the current challenges Nigerians are facing while others see it as a necessary step for strategic planning and decision-making.
