Amid concerns over the simultaneous absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria, the Presidency has assured the public that there is no leadership vacuum.
In a statement released Wednesday night, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that both leaders are still actively overseeing the nation’s governance, despite their travel engagements.
Onanuga explained that President Tinubu, who left on October 3 for a two-week working vacation, remains fully involved in state matters.
Read Also: BREAKING: Shettima Heads For Sweden With Tinubu Yet To Return From Annual Vacation
“He continues to issue directives and take important calls while abroad, and will return shortly before the vacation concludes,” Onanuga said.
Vice President Shettima is currently on an official visit to Sweden, representing Nigeria after departing the country on Wednesday.
Onanuga highlighted that all government operations continue smoothly, with key figures such as the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, and service chiefs fully engaged in their responsibilities.
He also drew comparisons to past occurrences, both in the present administration and previous ones, where the president and vice president were abroad at the same time, yet the government functioned without disruption.
Read Also: Former Minister Sends Strong Warning To Tinubu On Looming Anarchy Amid Economic Hardship
He said, “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.”
Onanuga emphasized that the Constitution does not require the physical presence of the president or vice president for them to carry out their duties, particularly in today’s age of virtual communication.
He assured the public that the nation is in capable hands, even while its top leaders are temporarily abroad.
For More Information And News Update, Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
