The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed disapproval of President Bola Tinubu's decision to vacation in France while Vice-President Kashim Shettima attends the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. According to the ADC, this move is a "national disgrace" and an embarrassment to Nigeria. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that it is unbecoming of a president to be on vacation while his host, President Emmanuel Macron, attends to national interests.
This is the third consecutive time that Vice-President Shettima has represented President Tinubu at the UNGA. The ADC has raised concerns about the implications of the president's prolonged absence, especially given the current challenges facing Nigeria, including worsening insecurity, unemployment, and a high cost of living. The party questioned who is currently exercising the constitutional powers of the president, given that both the president and vice-president are outside the country.
The ADC's criticism centers on the constitutional requirements for the president's absence. According to Section 145 of the Constitution, the president must transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives before proceeding on vacation for more than 21 days. The party demands to know whether President Tinubu made this declaration, as he has been away for over 21 days. Abdullahi also rejected the Presidency's explanation that the president was on a "working vacation."
The ADC spokesman argued that the president's "working vacation" claim is an "absurdity" that raises more questions than it answers. He emphasized that representation at official events does not confer constitutional powers and that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, cannot exercise the president's constitutional powers. Abdullahi stressed that governance cannot be done through ceremonial proxies or telephone calls from abroad.
The party also questioned the claim that President Tinubu continues to direct national affairs from abroad. Abdullahi stated that a "working vacation" does not exempt the president from his constitutional obligations under Section 145. He emphasized that presidential authority cannot be transferred by convenience or protocol and that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a private enterprise.
The ADC's statement has sparked a national debate about the president's role and responsibilities, particularly in times of crisis. The party's call for transparency and accountability has resonated with many Nigerians who are concerned about the country's leadership. The ADC has urged the Presidency and the National Assembly to provide clear answers about the exercise of presidential powers.
The development has raised questions about the implications for Nigeria's governance and stability. The country's challenges, including insecurity and economic hardship, require effective leadership and governance. The ADC's criticism has highlighted the need for the government to prioritize the country's interests and ensure that the president's absence does not compromise national stability.
Key points
- ADC criticizes President Tinubu's vacation in France while VP Shettima attends UNGA
- Party questions exercise of presidential powers during Tinubu's absence
- ADC demands transparency and accountability from Presidency and National Assembly
