The presidency on Wednesday declared that there is no vacuum in the country, even as President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are out of the country.
The presidency, in the statement issued by Tinibu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away, noting that there is no leadership vacuum in the country.
According to the Presidency, Nigeria’s Constitution does not make it mandatory for President Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, to be physically present to provide leadership for the country, especially in a virtual age.
“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 their duties,” it stressed.
The Presidency’s reaction came following concerns about who is in charge of the country as both the President and Vice President are away, with many Nigerians expressing worry over the unusual development.
It said the country had a similar situation in 2022, when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were simultaneously out of the country.
“President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth II,” the Presidency said.
The Presidency noted that “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.
“We have also experienced this 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 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.”
