The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over the simultaneous absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that this situation sets a "very dangerous precedent". Tinubu has been on a working vacation in the United States since August 30, while Shettima attended the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 20.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu remains in contact with officials in Nigeria and continues to direct government affairs despite his absence. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would represent the President at some official engagements while Shettima was away. However, Abdullahi questioned Akume's constitutional authority to act on behalf of the President in the absence of both Tinubu and Shettima.
Abdullahi asked if Akume had become the Acting President of Nigeria, citing the Nigerian Constitution's chain of succession. He argued that the Constitution did not provide for a Nigerian president to relocate to another country while governance continued through informal arrangements. The ADC spokesman accused the Federal Government of disregarding the concerns of Nigerians and the Constitution.
The ADC spokesman warned that the arrangement could establish a precedent with implications beyond the present administration. Abdullahi stated that the situation insulted the sensibility of Nigerians and the Constitution. He called on the National Assembly to reconvene from its recess and address the constitutional questions surrounding the President's absence.
However, Abdullahi alleged that lawmakers would not take such action because of their closeness to the Tinubu administration. The controversy comes as the Presidency insists that Shettima is carrying Tinubu's full mandate at the UN General Assembly and that the President's absence has not affected the running of government.
The Presidency described Tinubu's absence as a "working vacation", a description rejected by Abdullahi. The ADC has urged caution, emphasizing the need for clarity on who is exercising presidential authority in the country. The situation has sparked debate about the constitutional implications of the President's and Vice-President's simultaneous absence.
The ADC's concerns have highlighted the importance of clear lines of succession and authority in Nigeria's governance structure. The party's statements have also underscored the need for transparency and accountability in the exercise of presidential authority, particularly in situations where the President and Vice-President are absent from the country.
Key points
- The African Democratic Congress has criticized President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima's simultaneous absence from Nigeria.
- The party questions the constitutional authority of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to act on behalf of the President.
- The situation has sparked debate about the constitutional implications of the President's and Vice-President's simultaneous absence.
