Presidency don clear air on top of the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria. Dem say there no be any vacuum in leadership despite dem travel abroad.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, talk say both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima dey fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even though dem no dey the country. Onanuga say dis in a statement titled, ‘There is no vacuum in leadership as the President and VP are out of the country.’
President Tinubu travel go UK on October 2, 2024, for a two-week working leave. Later, he move from UK go France on October 11 for another important engagement. Vice President Shettima also leave Abuja on Wednesday for Sweden on a two-day visit to represent Nigeria in bilateral engagements with Sweden.
Dis mark the second time both officers dey absent from the country since dem assume office 17 months ago. Between late April and early May 2024, while Tinubu dey London after visiting Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, Shettima also travel out, first to Nairobi and then to Dallas, Texas, before returning back to Nigeria.
Onanuga draw parallel with similar instances during the Buhari administration, where former President Buhari and his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, were simultaneously out of the country. He say the Constitution no require the physical presence of the president or vice president to fulfil their duties, especially in this era of virtual engagement.
The Presidency assure the public say all state organs dey function as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs all dey their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.
