Absence of Tinubu, Shettima: Presidency speaks on ‘vacuum in leadership’
by Tajudeen Balogun · The Eagle OnlineThe Presidency has reacted to the enquiry on the vacuum in leadership following the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the country.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, spoke on the enquiry in a statement on Wednesday.
Onanuga said that it was important to note that Tinubu and Shettima are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs even while they are away, assuring Nigerians that there is no leadership vacuum in the country.
The statement reads in part: “President Tinubu left the country on 3 October and is on a two-week working vacation.
“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.”
The presidential aide recalled that the country had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were out of the country at the same time.
Onanuga recalled that during the time in question, President Buhari attended United Nations General Assembly 77 in New York, United States of America, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth ll in the United Kingdom.
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He added: “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 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.”
Onanuga stressed that the constitution, which is 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 their duties.
The Presidency’s clarification followed enquiries by journalists as to who is in charge of the country as the president and vice president are presently out of the country.
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