Tinubu Will Return Today From France, Says Presidency 

 

 

The Presidency has announced that President Bola Tinubu will return to Nigeria today, after a short work visit to France. The President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, made the announcement on his social media handle on Monday.

 

President Tinubu had departed Nigeria on April 2, 2025, for Paris, France, where he engaged in a series of high-level meetings and strategic planning sessions. According to the Presidency, the President used the opportunity to review the progress of ongoing reforms and map out plans for the second anniversary of his administration.

 

However, the President’s trip was not without controversy. Opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, criticized President Tinubu for being away from the country at a time when insecurity is on the rise. The recent attacks in Benue and Plateau states, which resulted in the loss of several lives, have sparked widespread concern and outrage.

 

Atiku Abubakar, in particular, called on President Tinubu to cut short his trip and return to Nigeria to address the growing insecurity. “How can the President be enjoying himself in France while Nigerians are being killed in their homes?” Atiku asked. “It’s time for President Tinubu to put the interests of Nigerians first and return to the country to tackle the security challenges head-on.”

 

Despite the criticism, the Presidency maintained that President Tinubu’s trip was necessary and would ultimately benefit the country. “The President’s visit to France is a working visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and attracting investment to Nigeria,” said Onanuga. “The President is committed to the security and well-being of all Nigerians, and his administration is working tirelessly to address the challenges facing the country.”

 

As President Tinubu returns to Nigeria, all eyes will be on him to see how he will respond to the growing insecurity and criticism from opposition leaders. Will he take decisive action to address the security challenges, or will he face further criticism for his handling of the situation? Only time will tell.

 

Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the news of President Tinubu’s return. While some have welcomed the President back, others have expressed disappointment and frustration with his handling of the security situation.

 

“I’m glad the President is back, but he needs to get to work immediately to address the insecurity,” said one Twitter user. “Enough of these foreign trips, it’s time to focus on Nigeria’s problems.”

 

Another user added, “I don’t see why the President had to go to France in the first place. What’s the benefit of his trip to ordinary Nigerians?”

 

However, some Nigerians have defended the President, saying that his trip was necessary for the country’s development. “The President’s visit to France is a good thing for Nigeria,” said a supporter. “He’s working hard to attract investment and create jobs for Nigerians.”

[21/04, 3:57 pm] +234 803 303 5695: Two African Cardinals Qualify to Replace Pope

 

As the Catholic Church prepares for a potential papal transition, two African cardinals have emerged as strong contenders to succeed the current Pope.

 

Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson and Guinea’s Cardinal Robert Sarah are among the top candidates being considered for the highest office in the Catholic Church.

 

Cardinal Peter Turkson, 73, is a highly respected and experienced prelate from Ghana. He has been a key figure in the Vatican, serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development since 2016. Turkson has been a strong advocate for social justice, human rights, and environmental protection, which aligns with the current Pope’s emphasis on these issues.

 

Turkson’s African roots and experience working in the Vatican makes him an attractive candidate to lead the global Catholic Church. He is fluent in multiple languages, including English, French, and Italian, which would enable him to communicate effectively with the diverse Catholic community worldwide. His extensive experience in promoting interfaith dialogue and ecumenism also makes him an ideal candidate to foster greater unity among Christians and other faiths.

 

Cardinal Robert Sarah, 76, is a Guinean prelate who has gained international recognition for his conservative views on Catholic doctrine and tradition. As the former Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Sarah has been a strong advocate for preserving the Church’s liturgical traditions and promoting a more orthodox approach to Catholic teaching.

 

Sarah’s candidacy is seen as a potential shift towards a more conservative papacy, which could appeal to traditionalist Catholics who feel that the Church has become too liberal. His experience working in the Vatican and his reputation as a strong defender of Catholic orthodoxy make him a credible candidate to lead the Church. However, his advanced age and perceived conservative stance may raise concerns among some Catholics who prefer a more progressive approach.

 

 

The possibility of an African Pope is significant, as it would mark a historic milestone for the Catholic Church. With over 200 million Catholics in Africa, the continent is home to a rapidly growing and vibrant Catholic community. An African Pope would not only reflect the Church’s global diversity but also provide a unique opportunity for the Vatican to reconnect with its roots in Africa, where Christianity originated.

 

The election of an African Pope would also be a testament to the Church’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity. It would demonstrate that the Catholic Church is a truly global institution, with leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

 

As the papal conclave approaches, the candidacy of Cardinal Turkson and Cardinal Sarah will likely gain more attention. The Vatican’s College of Cardinals will ultimately decide who will succeed the current Pope, and the process is expected to be highly secretive and unpredictable.

 

While it is impossible to predict the outcome, one thing is certain: the next Pope will face significant challenges, from addressing the Church’s internal crises to navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world. Whether Cardinal Turkson or Cardinal Sarah emerges as the next Pope, their African roots and unique perspectives will undoubtedly shape the future of the Catholic Church.