The Presidency has reassured Nigerians that the absence of both President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from the country does not create a leadership vacuum, stating that governance continues as usual.
In a statement released on Wednesday titled, “There is no vacuum in leadership as the President and VP are out of the country,” Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that the nation’s top officials are still fully engaged in national affairs despite being abroad.
President Tinubu has been on a two-week working leave since October 2, 2024, starting in the United Kingdom. He later traveled to France on October 11 for what his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, described as “another important engagement.” Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima left Abuja on Wednesday for Sweden on a two-day official visit to represent Nigeria in bilateral talks.
This marks the second time since their inauguration 17 months ago that both Tinubu and Shettima have been out of the country simultaneously. Despite this, Onanuga assured the public that governance remains uninterrupted, stating, “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.”
He also highlighted that during his working vacation, President Tinubu has been actively involved in state matters. “The President 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 added.
Onanuga pointed out that key government officials, including the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, and Service Chiefs, are all present and ensuring that government operations continue smoothly. He remarked, “All state organs are functioning as usual.”
Drawing a comparison to a similar occurrence during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in 2022, Onanuga said, “The Constitution does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the President or Vice President in the country at all times to fulfill their duties. This adaptability in the virtual age allows for seamless governance.”
This latest reassurance comes amid concerns following President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima’s concurrent absence for the second time this year.
