Nigeria: Tinubu, Shettima's Absence Won't Create Leadership Vacuum - Presidency

16 October 2024
Daily Trust (Abuja)
By Baba Martins

Following the absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from the country, the Presidency has clarified that there is no leadership Vacuum, saying that physical presence was not necessary to perform their dutie

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement on Wednesday also insisted that 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."

Onanuga who said the clarification became necessary following enquiries from reporters noted that "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."

President Tinubu had left the country and is on a two-week working vacation, Onanuga said "During this time, he has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of state. He will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires.

" The vice president departed the country Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit, working for Nigeria.

" 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."

Read the original article on Daily Trust.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2024 Daily Trust. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.