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President Bola Tinubu has reportedly continued his smoking habit, despite repeated efforts by those around him to persuade him to quit, SaharaReporters has learned.
Sources close to the President said that Tinubu remains committed to smoking and has resisted attempts by aides and associates to help him give up the habit.
The sources noted that, while concern has been raised over the health implications, the President has so far refused to change his behavior.
“Tinubu’s smoking addiction is an issue. The President is still smoking, and despite efforts to get him to stop, he has refused,” one of the sources said.
SaharaReporters learnt that the President’s handlers, concerned about the issue, believe that as a national leader, Tinubu’s personal health choices are matters of public interest.
Since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu has made about 40 international international trips, some of which are believed to be for medical reasons.
Tinubu’s frequent international travel has sparked persistent speculation about his health, especially given the number of trips to Europe, especially France and the UK.
While many of these visits are officially described as “working trips” or “diplomatic engagements,” SaharaReporters has reported that some may have included medical consultations.
The Presidency has occasionally issued reassurances, stating that the President is “fit and capable,” but these statements have not fully quelled public concern.
In June, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had undertaken 36 foreign trips since assuming office.
Providing a mid-term review of the administration’s foreign policy record, Enikanolaye noted that the trips, which began after Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, spanned Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
According to him, the President’s destinations included Benin Republic, Chad, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, the Vatican, the United States, Brazil, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, India, and China.
