Tinubu, Shettima absence won’t affect governance, says presidency
The Presidency has assured Nigerians that the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from the country does not create a leadership vacuum, stating that both leaders remain fully engaged with nation’s affairs even while away.
In a statement released Wednesday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that despite their absence, the government continues to function smoothly. The statement, titled “There is No Vacuum in Leadership as the President and VP are Out of the Country,” responded to concerns over the absence of both principal officers.
President Tinubu left Nigeria on October 2, 2024 for a two-week working leave in the United Kingdom. He later traveled to France on October 11 for another key engagement, according to his Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari tweeted.
Simultaneously, Vice President Shettima departed Abuja on Wednesday for Sweden, where he is representing Nigeria in bilateral talks. This marks the second time both Tinubu and Shettima have been absent from the country at the same time since assuming office 17 months ago.
During a similar occurrence earlier this year, Tinubu was in London after attending the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia, while Shettima was attending the International Development Association Heads of State Summit in Nairobi. Despite these international commitments, Onanuga noted that the government’s activities continued without interruption.
“During this time, the government’s machinery did not halt. The President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country,” Onanuga stated.
He added that while on vacation, President Tinubu has remained active, issuing directives and making phone calls on important state matters. The President is expected to return before the conclusion of his two-week leave.
He stated “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.”
“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, he said.”
In their first 100 days in office, Tinubu and Shettima have embarked on several international trips, spending 28 days abroad visiting more than nine countries.
