Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that there is no vacancy in Nigeria's Presidency, emphasizing that President Bola Tinubu continues to lead the country despite his prolonged stay abroad. Akpabio made these remarks in Akwa Ibom State, dismissing concerns over Tinubu's extended leave and the simultaneous absence of both Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria. According to Akpabio, Tinubu is merely on a working leave and continues to run the country's affairs from abroad.
Akpabio's comments come as some Nigerians have raised concerns about a potential leadership vacuum. He stressed that as Chairman of the National Assembly, he is the appropriate authority to speak on the issue and can confirm that there is no vacancy in the Presidency. Akpabio pointed out that technological advancements have made it possible for Tinubu to direct government affairs from abroad, querying why people are complaining about the situation.
President Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week working vacation in Europe, initially traveling to London before moving to Paris. There, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss bilateral relations. Although the initial three-week period expired around September 20, the Presidency announced on Monday that Tinubu had extended his stay and would return at the weekend.
The extension of Tinubu's stay abroad has sparked constitutional debate, particularly given his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice President Shettima is currently leading Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA, having left Abuja on September 20. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned who is exercising presidential authority, citing Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has criticized both Tinubu and Shettima for their simultaneous absence, describing it as a "brazen violation" of the Constitution. Effiong argues that presidential powers are exclusive to the President and cannot be delegated, emphasizing that there must always be a substantive or acting President.
The Federal Government has maintained that Tinubu remains in charge and can govern from anywhere, while the Presidency has defended Shettima's representation at UNGA as being with the full mandate of the President. Akpabio's remarks add the National Assembly leadership's voice to the Presidency's position, assuring that Tinubu would return to commission presidential projects in Akwa Ibom.
During his visit to Akwa Ibom, Akpabio assured that Tinubu sends his greetings and will provide a date for commissioning presidential projects upon his return. Akpabio emphasized that Tinubu is proud of the people of Akwa Ibom and is committed to completing his engagements with them.
Key points
- Akpabio confirms there is no vacancy in Nigeria's Presidency amid Tinubu's extended leave.
- The simultaneous absence of Tinubu and Shettima has sparked constitutional debate.
- Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong describes their absence as a "brazen violation" of the Constitution.
