The Presidency has clarified that there is no leadership vacuum in Nigeria despite President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima being out of the country.
The clarification was contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in response to concerns raised by journalists about who is currently in charge of national affairs.
Onanuga assured Nigerians that though the President and Vice President are out of the country they remain fully engaged in governing the country .
“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, who left the country on October 3, is currently on a two-week working vacation. Onanuga emphasized that Tinubu continues to oversee national matters during this period.
“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.
He also explained that Vice President Shettima departed for Sweden on Wednesday for an official visit. In their absence, state organs continue to function as expected, with key government officials like the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, and service chiefs all carrying out their responsibilities.
“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.”
