Senate President Godswill Akpabio has moved to alleviate concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu's prolonged absence from Nigeria, stating that there is no leadership vacuum in the country. Speaking in Akwa Ibom while commissioning road projects, Akpabio emphasized that Tinubu remains in power and continues to direct government affairs despite being abroad on a working vacation. His comments come amid renewed debate over the absence of both Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima from the country.
President Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation and has extended his stay in Europe. According to the Presidency, he is expected to return at the weekend. Vice-President Shettima, meanwhile, is attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Akpabio stressed that Tinubu's absence does not equate to a vacancy in the presidency, citing the President's continued engagement with government affairs and diplomatic contacts while abroad.
Akpabio highlighted Tinubu's recent communication with French President Emmanuel Macron as an example of the President's ongoing involvement in governance. He also noted that the President has been giving instructions over the internet, making it unnecessary for him to be physically present in Nigeria to run the country. The Senate President's remarks followed questions over whether Tinubu ought to formally transmit power to the Vice-President during his extended vacation.
The debate over Tinubu's absence has attracted opposition criticism, with the African Democratic Congress questioning the constitutional basis for the current arrangement involving the President, Vice-President, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. However, the Presidency maintains that Tinubu remains actively engaged in governance despite being outside the country.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu has delegated Shettima to represent him at some official functions, while Akume will continue to represent him at other engagements following Shettima's departure for the UN General Assembly. The Presidency also pointed to directives issued by Tinubu during his trip, including the order for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna.
Akpabio's comments were made in the context of a working visit to Akwa Ibom, where he commissioned several road projects executed by Governor Umo Eno. The projects aim to improve infrastructure and transportation in the state. Akpabio's assurance that Tinubu remains in charge is likely to help alleviate concerns over the President's absence and the potential for a leadership vacuum.
The situation has raised important questions about the country's leadership structure and the constitutional provisions for handling such situations. As Tinubu prepares to return to Nigeria, the focus is likely to shift to the government's priorities and agenda for the remainder of the year. With the President set to return at the weekend, the country can expect a return to normalcy in governance.
Key points
- President Tinubu remains in charge despite his extended absence from Nigeria.
- The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has moved to alleviate concerns over a potential leadership vacuum.
- The Presidency maintains that Tinubu remains actively engaged in governance despite being outside the country.
