No leadeship vacuum despite President, VP’s absence – Onanuga
The Presidency on Wednesday said the absence of President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, who are currently out of the country, will not in any way create a vacuum in the leadership of the country.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made the clarification in a statement.
“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.”
President Tinubu is currently on a two-week leave while vice president Shettima departed the country on Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit.
They are all working for Nigeria, he stated, adding that “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,” Onanuga added.
According to him, a similar situation occurred in 2022 when former President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Yomi Osinbajo attended the UN General Assembly and the burial of Queen Elizabeth II, respectively.
He also said both Tinubu and Shettima were on official visits outside the country between late April and early May this year.
“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 rationalised.
