The Presidency has assured that the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima will not create a leadership vacuum in Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, stated that physical presence is not essential for fulfilling their duties, citing the Constitution’s flexibility in the virtual age.
“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” Onanuga stated.
Onanuga emphasized that both leaders remain actively engaged with national affairs, with President Tinubu on a two-week working vacation and Vice-President Shettima currently in Sweden on official business.
“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.”
“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,” Onanuga said.
He highlighted that all government operations continue smoothly, with key officials and state organs functioning as usual.
Onanuga referenced previous instances when leaders were simultaneously out of the country, reiterating that the government’s machinery operates effectively even during such times.
“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 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” he said.
