Presidency: No vacuum in leadership over Tinubu, Shettima’s absence

The Presidency says President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s absence from the country didn’t create a vacuum in leadership.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said this in a statement on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, following enquiries by journalists as to who is in charge of Nigeria as Tinubu and Shettima are out of the country.

Tinubu left Nigeria for a two-week vacation in the United Kingdom on October 3, while Shettima departed the country on Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit.

“It is important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country,” Onanuga stated.

Onanuga said Tinubu has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of the nation, adding that the president will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires.

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The presidential spokesman noted: “All state organs are functioning as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.

“We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were found to be simultaneously out of the country. President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth ll.

“We have also experienced it during this administration. Between late April and early May this year, while President Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Vice President Shettima left Nigeria, first of all for Nairobi to attend the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit.

“After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. President Tinubu returned home on 8 May. During this time, the government’s machinery did not halt.

“The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil his duties.”

The Star