President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended his planned trip to South Africa for the G-20 Summit as he awaits a comprehensive security briefing from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is currently in Kebbi State on an assessment visit.
Presidential sources confirmed on Wednesday that the decision was taken to ensure the President receives first-hand updates on the situation in Kebbi, where the abduction of schoolchildren has triggered nationwide concern.
Shettima is in the state to inspect ongoing federal interventions, hold strategic meetings with community leaders, and evaluate the security and socio-economic landscape.
A senior aide to the President told The Nation that Tinubu is prioritising urgent national matters, especially the security challenges affecting the North-West.
“The President has delayed his trip to the G-20 event in South Africa.
He is giving full attention to serious national issues, including the unfortunate incident in Kebbi and similar occurrences elsewhere,” the official said.
The Presidency had announced on Tuesday that Tinubu would embark on a two-nation visit to South Africa and Angola for the G-20 Leaders’ Summit and the AU-EU Summit.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President was initially scheduled to depart for South Africa today.
However, officials say the administration’s response to developments in the North-West will now guide any further travel decisions.